WINDHOEK – British photographer Laura Fletcher who suffered a broken collarbone and bruises when she was hit by Namibian cyclist Xavier Papo during the recent Nedbank Döbra Loops Race, says she holds no grudge against the Namibia Cycling Federation (NCF) or anyone for that matter.
The internationally acclaimed British photographer says she won’t take any legal action against event organisers Windhoek Pedal Power, thereby rubbishing rumours that she was planning to sue. The incident, which brewed a chilling storm on the social network Facebook after one user posted an infuriating message saying the injured photographer should have “realised that this is Africa, a place not for sissies,” a comment that was roundly denounced by many subscribers with some describing the message as insensitive and demeaning.
Speaking exclusively to New Era while recovering on foremost Namibian cyclist Dan Craven’s farm near Omaruru, Fletcher who is a professional British photographer and a popular face at many Tour de France races, confirmed she suffered a broken collarbone during the accident when young cyclist Papo smashed into her while sprinting towards the finish line. Asked about rumours that she blasted the NCF for not having appropriate safety measures in place for journalists/photographers and that she was planning to take legal action against the federation, the cyclist as well as the event organizers, Fletcher rubbished the speculations and maintains that she harbours no hard feelings against the rider or the federation. “No, it is not true at all. It was just a pure accident that can happen to anybody, so I don’t see why I should take legal action against anyone. Yes, my collarbone is broken and I have a few bruises, but I’m getting better now and will soon continue with my work,’’ said the London-based photographer understood to be in Namibia on an experiential cycling marketing tour.
Cyclist Papo says he was riding with his head down at that time of the accident, since all the riders were sprinting towards the finish line and expected no obstacles during the sprint. “I was riding with my head down fully focusing on hitting the finish line, that’s when I noticed I bumped into something but not knowing it was the photographer. I was later told she broke her collarbone and suffered a few bruises, but I really don’t know what she was thinking of by stepping onto the road, while all cyclers were in full speed,” said a stunned, but apologetic Papo. The upcoming cyclist was not seriously injured in the accident. He says he just remembers flying into something, while sprinting flat-out for the finish line. NCF president, Mannie Heymans was also shocked by the accident and questioned why the British photographer opted to move into the middle of the road for close shots rather than using a long lens from the roadside, as is the custom worldwide for photographers when dealing
By Otniel Hembapu