An elderly Durban cyclist was stabbed in an attempted robbery while out on a training ride earlier this week, but managed to put up enough of a fight to enable him to hold onto his bike and other possessions.
He was also fortunate that a passing motorist came to his aid.
According to Rescue Care Paramedics spokesperson Garrith Jamieson, the 60-year-old man was out on an early morning training ride in Durban North when the incident occurred on the M4 Ruth First Highway on Thursday morning.
Riders pictured during the Tour Durban in Durban this year. Photo: Anthony Grote Photography
Jamieson said the man was riding with a group of friends but then became isolated from them and was attacked just after 5am.
The assailant broke a bottle on the side of the road and stabbed the man with the sharp end.
“There was a bit of an altercation – the guy obviously tried to rob him of his bicycle and possessions,” Jamieson said.
A passing motorist stopped and rushed to assist the cyclist, whereupon the attacker fled.
The cyclist suffered a deep stab wound on the side of his right wrist.
“He was taken to hospital in a private vehicle,” Jamieson said. “That area is not known to be too dangerous but there have been incidents on the freeway.
“Cyclists just need to be aware and make sure no one is lurking behind them.
“It will also help to not carry anything of value just to avoid these types of incidents.”
The South African Police Service were investigating the incident and beefing up security measures in the area, Jamieson said.
In similiar incidents, just a couple of weeks ago former South African track and road champion Wimpie van der Merwe and Elize Janse van Rensburg were attacked by a group of men while cycling along Gordon’s Bay Road.
Earlier this year a 68-year-old man was robbed and stabbed to death while out riding in Fish Hoek.
