By Domingo Ramirez Jr.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
MINERAL WELLS, Texas — Four bicyclists were seriously injured Sunday in a crash during the Iris Stagner Memorial Stage Race in Palo Pinto County.
One rider was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, while three others were taken by helicopter to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. The injuries of all four women were described as serious but not life-threatening, race officials said.
The crash occurred near Graford on the second day of the race at about mile 20, said race director Andrew Hollinger on Sunday night.
The 25-mile race, which began Saturday in Mineral Wells, attracted about 320 riders.
Deputies with the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Office worked the crash while EMTs from Graford and Possum Kingdom provided medical assistance until ambulances arrived.
Iris Stagner, the race’s namesake, was killed in September 2012 when she was hit by a truck during a ride near her Mineral Wells home.
Stagner, an avid cyclist and runner, was an administrative assistant for the Palo Pinto County Commissioners’ Court. She had worked with the Texas Department of Transportation on county projects to improve conditions for cyclists in the area, including successfully petitioning TxDOT to have bike signs installed on state roads.