Cyclist dies in Rio Paralympics crash

Cyclist Bahman Golbarnezhad has died following a crash in the men's C4/C5 road race at the Rio Paralympics, Iran's national Paralympic committee has announced.

Bahman Golbarnezhad in action in the 2012 Paralympics in London. Picture; Getty

Golbarnezhad, from Shiraz, was treated at the scene of the accident before being taken to a local hospital.

Iran’s NPC later announced that the 48-year-old had died.

The road races began at Pontal and included the Grumari circuit incorporated in the Rio Olympics road races.

The Vista Chinesa circuit - which included a treacherous descent where Holland’s Annemiek van Vleuten crashed into the curb, sustaining heavy concussion - was not part of the Paralympic course.

Golbarnezhad was 14th in the time-trial on Wednesday and also competed at the London 2012 Paralympics. He was Iran’s sole cyclist at the Rio Games.

Iran’s NPC said in a statement: “Regretfully, I.R.IRAN NPC announces that Mr. Bahman Golbarnezhad, passed away because of his accident during the competition.”

Saturday’s race was won by Daniel Abraham of Holland, with Brazil’s Lauro Chaman second and Andrea Tarlao of Italy third.

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