A track accident during a race has claimed the life of Toshiaki Fushimi, a highly accomplished Japanese track cyclist and silver medalist in Team Sprint at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.  Having turned fifty in February, Fushimi had achieved over 600 victories in Keirin throughout his career, and it was during a race in this discipline that he was involved in the fatal accident on Saturday.

The experienced athlete was attempting to move up through the field when, possibly to avoid competitors ahead of him, he collided violently with the track's protective barriers, sustaining, as reported by colleagues at Independent, spinal and skull fractures.

Transported to hospital, Toshiaki Fushimi passed away on Sunday, as confirmed by officials from the Japan Keirin Association.

Many athletes who knew Fushimi have sent messages of condolence, remembering him as one of the greatest Keirin specialists of all time.

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