Cyclist McEwen bashed by thugs at Indy
October 24, 2005 - 4:14PM
Leading Australian cyclist Robbie McEwen is sporting a black eye after being bashed by three men during the Gold Coast Indy motor racing carnival on the weekend.
McEwen said he was targeted by the group while walking to a cab rank near Kurrawa Surf Club, at Broadbeach, around 2am on Saturday.
He had been out having dinner and drinks with friends.
McEwen, who has a house on the Queensland tourist strip, said he did not know why he had been attacked.
"There were three guys walking towards me and as we got level one of them king-hit me," he said.
"I don't know if (the attack) was an attempted mugging but it was definitely a cowardly act.
"I lost my footing after getting punched but managed to get back up and win the fight by 50 metres.
"I might have to look at an athletics career if cycling fails."
McEwen suffered a bruised cheek and swollen lip - as well as a black left eye - as a result of the attack.
The Tour De France green jersey winner said he was disappointed to see random bashings occurring in his home state after returning from a hectic cycling season in Europe.
He was in the middle of a 10 day break from training on the Gold Coast with his family.
"It's disappointing that there are young guys out there with nothing better to do than to try to ruin someone else's night," the 33-year-old said.
"Still, it didn't ruin my weekend at the Indy."
Queensland Police had earlier praised the behaviour of motor racing fans following a record four day attendance for the showpiece event.
Police said the number of incidents at the Indy was low "for an event of this size".
"The majority of arrests have been for public order related incidents," police operation commander Inspector Alistair Dawson said on Sunday.
October 24, 2005 - 4:14PM
Leading Australian cyclist Robbie McEwen is sporting a black eye after being bashed by three men during the Gold Coast Indy motor racing carnival on the weekend.
McEwen said he was targeted by the group while walking to a cab rank near Kurrawa Surf Club, at Broadbeach, around 2am on Saturday.
He had been out having dinner and drinks with friends.
McEwen, who has a house on the Queensland tourist strip, said he did not know why he had been attacked.
"There were three guys walking towards me and as we got level one of them king-hit me," he said.
"I don't know if (the attack) was an attempted mugging but it was definitely a cowardly act.
"I lost my footing after getting punched but managed to get back up and win the fight by 50 metres.
"I might have to look at an athletics career if cycling fails."
McEwen suffered a bruised cheek and swollen lip - as well as a black left eye - as a result of the attack.
The Tour De France green jersey winner said he was disappointed to see random bashings occurring in his home state after returning from a hectic cycling season in Europe.
He was in the middle of a 10 day break from training on the Gold Coast with his family.
"It's disappointing that there are young guys out there with nothing better to do than to try to ruin someone else's night," the 33-year-old said.
"Still, it didn't ruin my weekend at the Indy."
Queensland Police had earlier praised the behaviour of motor racing fans following a record four day attendance for the showpiece event.
Police said the number of incidents at the Indy was low "for an event of this size".
"The majority of arrests have been for public order related incidents," police operation commander Inspector Alistair Dawson said on Sunday.
