Lake County authorities say a person or persons placed tacks in the road during the Great Floridian Triathlon last month, seriously injuring two participants.
- Police say tacks were found along Great Floridian Triathalon course
- 2 people were seriously hurt, cyclists had flattened tires
- Extra patrols for Horrible Hundred cycling event next week
Clermont Police say on Saturday, Oct. 22, tacks were found at different locations along the course, in the areas of 455 and Fosgate Road, and near 561A and Sugarloaf Mountain Road.
Officials with Sommer Sports, which hosts the triathlon, say there were about 10 incidents involving tacks and two people had to be airlifted from the race.
“We host numerous, numerous events -- cycling, running events, etc. Almost every weekend we have a different event going on here that starts and ends at our Waterfront Park. So because of that, this is of great concern to us," said Clermont Police Captain Michael McMaster.
David Politowicz is a service manager at Winter Garden Wheelworks. He says he was providing mobile support for the triathlon when he got a call that a number of cyclists had flat tires at the intersection of Blackstill Lake Road and Fosgate Road.
"As they're coming into this turn, they're applying their brakes to slow down, to navigate the turn. And hitting tacks like this flatten the tires," said Politowicz.
Clermont Police believe the tacks were placed in the road intentionally and are investigating it as a crime.
Another cycling event, the Horrible Hundred, is set for next Sunday at Clermont's Waterfront Park and police say there will be several officers on the course.