Three cyclists were flown to Dunedin hospital after a crash near Lauder in Central Otago.
The cyclists, members of the Central Otago-Wakatipu Cycle Club, were racing in the club's Chatto Creek-Oturehua 100km loop race. The crash occurred on State Highway 85 about 10km north of Lauder as the cyclist headed in the Ranfurly direction.
Race manager Mike Cooper, of Alexandra, said it was not clear what caused the pile up, but it appeared one or two of the cyclists had touched wheels before crashing and taking down the rest of the group.
Because of the good weather the cyclists had been travelling at quite a high speed before the crash, Mr Cooper said.
''It's a bit like what you see on TV, one in front goes down then the rest go in over the top.''
Two of the cyclists suffered concussion while the other was treated for a broken collar bone, he said. Two rescue helicopters transferred the three to Dundin Hospital by Police, St John and two crews from the Omakau and Alexandra volunteer fire brigades.
''It was a bit traumatic at the start but once the emergency services arrived it was fantastic.''
St John confirmed three patients were taken to Dunedin hospital, one in a serious condition and two others with moderate injuries.
