Brit cyclist, 56, fighting for life in Majorca after being mowed down by car near popular seaside resort
A BRITISH cyclist has been left in critical condition and is fighting for his life after being hit by a car in Majorca.
On Saturday evening, around 7 pm, the 56-year-old was struck by the vehicle from behind.
He was launched into the air from the impact and left unconscious on the ground.
Police and medical responders arrived at the scene within minutes and he was transported to the Son Espases Hospital in Palma, the island's capital.
The victim was transported under a "green light" alert giving the ambulance team a police escort to clear traffic en route to the hospital.
The cyclist is said to be in a "critical condition" with severe head, chest and pelvic injuries.
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It is believed that the Brit was a holidaymaker on the Spanish island.
An investigation into the accident is ongoing.
It has been reported that the cyclist was attempting to cross a motorway near a holiday resort, though this has not yet been confirmed.
The incident occurred on the Ma-1 motorway near the turn-off for Cala Major which overlooks the Bay of Palma.
The motorist that struck him, whose nationality has not been disclosed, was travelling towards Andratx.
Police could not be reached early this morning to comment on reports the injured man was on the Ma-1 motorway, which like all motorways in Spain is off-limits to cyclists.
No one was available at Son Espases Hospital to provide an update on his condition.
Majorca is a popular destination for both amateur and professional cyclists.
The roads on the island are often packed with amateur cycling groups who test themselves on the famous Tramuntana mountains along the west side of the island as well as flats elsewhere.
The best European cycling teams also pick Majorca because of its mild winters and sunny skies.
Scots tourist Graeme McGilvray, 49, from Glasgow, died in March 2016 on a roundabout on a busy road between Alcudia and Port Alcudia after being knocked off his bike by a lorry.
Last September a 45-year-old British cyclist was seriously injured after being hit by a lorry on the island.
He fell more than 30 feet down an embankment at the side of the road after being run over.
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Emergency responders reported at the time he had suffered “very serious” head, chest and stomach injuries when they attended him at the scene before rushing him to hospital.
That incident happened near Caimiri, a small inland town in Majorca at the foot of the Tramuntana mountains which is famous for its olives.