Tour de France hopeful sues for £lm over car door incident that 'wrecked cycling career'

Road racer left brain damaged after collision, says lawyer

- By Nev Ayling

A CYCLIST who dreamed of competing in the Tour de France is claiming more than £1million compensation after being hit by an opened car door.

James McLaughlin said his professional cycling career was wrecked when a woman opened her passenger door into his path in May 2020.

Mr McLaughlin, 34, who raced for Guernsey in the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games, smashed his shoulder and right elbow.

He says the accident, which happened as he rode in a cycle lane in West Wickham, southeast London, also left him brain damaged, leading to depression, memory loss, fatigue and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The rider, who relies on an emotional support dog which was not allowed in court, is suing the insurers of the car driver and passenger.

Insurers accept liability for the accident, but dispute Mr McLaughlin suffered a brain injury, and the amount of compensation he is claiming.