A collision between his mountain bike and a tree means West Coast-Tasman MP Damien O'Connor won't be clocking up airpoints any time soon. Mr O'Connor (59) has been grounded after breaking several ribs and puncturing a lung in a crash at the Kaiteriteri mountain bike park just over a fortnight ago. ``Like any good wallops you lose your breath for a while, but I got it back, which is always pleasing.'' The long-time mountain biker said it was probably the worst accident he had had on his bike. Mr O'Connor said he would not give up mountain biking, but had canned his plans to compete in next month's 35th Buller Gorge half-marathon.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 24, 2017 02:29 UTC