A couple from London were today in intensive care on the Spanish island of Majorca after a car smashed into them on a cycling holiday.
Television producer Andrew Bell, 46, and Alexandra Drought, 43, an ultrasound specialist, were hit from behind as they stopped at the roadside.
Mr Bell had emergency brain surgery at a private clinic in capital Palma after suffering a serious head injury.
He remained in intensive care today at the Clinica Juaneda. Ms Drought, an ultrasonographer at the West Middlesex University Hospital who lives in Clapham, was treated for multiple fractures at a nearby hospital. Both are said to be in a “serious but stable” condition.
The pair, who are both keen cyclists, were following a popular cycling route between Palma and the south coast when the crash happened at 4pm on Monday.
It is believed they were part of a larger group taking part in the tour from the inland town of Llucmajor to S’Estanyol de Migjorn.
Ms Drought’s brother Toby, who lives in Barnes, said relatives had been in touch with her in hospital following the accident.
A neighbour said Ms Drought was a keen cyclist who rode to work in Isleworth every morning and been on several cycling holidays in the past. He said: “It’s very shocking to hear. We see her cycling off to work every day and she enjoys cycling holidays.”
Police questioned the driver of the vehicle following the crash on Monday afternoon but no arrests have been made.
It is the latest in a spate of serious road accidents on the Balearic island.
In April this year two cyclists from Europe died after being hit by cars while another died in a fall.
