Nine of the twelve cyclists were injured, one critically. | Guillem Mas

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A German cyclist has died as the result of an accident yesterday morning on the MA-15 road between Capdepera and Arta. The news of his death was given just before midnight.

A group of twelve German cyclists had set out on an organised ride from their base in Font de sa Cala, Capdepera, to the Puig Major when disaster struck after five kilometres as they headed towards Arta. The cyclists were struck by a powerful Porsche Cayenne which was travelling in the same direction.

Preliminary alcohol and drugs tests carried out at the scene apparently indicated that the Majorcan 28-year-old female driver, identified as A.M.B., was under the influence of drugs (cannabis). Further and more conclusive tests were taken during the course of yesterday and will be checked at a local medical centre and a special laboratory in Madrid.

The driver faced two traffic infringement charges but she refused to make a statement. She was released on bail, pending the results of the investigation. With the death of the cyclist, the charges are likely to be added to.

Nine of the 12 cyclists were injured during the accident and the road looked like a total disaster scene when the first police and emergency units reached the scene. Of the nine injured cyclists, the one who later died was rushed to Manacor Hospital along with one of the seriously injured cyclists.

Three others, including another in a serious condition, were taken to Muro Hospital and the rest rushed to Llevant Hospital for treatment. The crash scene was cordoned off so traffic could continue using the road while the injured were cared for and the debris cleared away.