25 Feb 2013

Driver charged with assaulting cyclist

8:00 pm on 25 February 2013

A 21-year-old driver has been charged with assaulting a cyclist in Taupo, leaving him with a suspected serious pelvic injuries and a broken collar bone.

Police say the 49-year-old cyclist was on Broadlands Road, on a training ride for this weekend's Ironman event, at about 12.45pm on Monday.

They say a ute travelling in the opposite direction overtook another vehicle, and ended up on the cyclist's side of the road.

The cyclist, upset by the manoeuvre, made a hand gesture to the driver of the ute - who then allegedly followed him, chased him on foot, and pushed him off his bike.

The driver left the scene but was later arrested and is to appear in the Taupo District Court on Wednesday.

Police want to hear from any witnesses, including the driver of the car that was overtaken by the silver Toyota Hilux.