Bicyclist riding next to a triathlon struck in Encinitas

ENCINITAS (CNS) – A bicyclist riding next to triathlon participants was struck and seriously injured by a vehicle Sunday in Encinitas.

The 56-year-old man was struck by a 2007 Honda sedan shortly before 10 a.m. while both were headed east on Manchester Avenue near Mira Costa College Road, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

The bicyclist was riding alongside participants in the Aspen Medical Products San Diego Triathlon Challenge, but he was not a part of the race, according to sheriff’s Lt. Jim Walker.

Witnesses told authorities that the 61-year-old woman driving the sedan veered into the bicycle lane and crashed into the cyclist, sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Tomaiko said. She stopped after the crash, but it was unclear if she was cited.

None of the triathlon participants were injured.

The hurt rider was taken to Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla to be treated. Tomaiko said his injuries were serious, but were not considered life-threatening.