Chris Jongewaard has been charged with a series of offences following an accident that left Team O'Grady cyclist Matthew Rex with severe head injuries. Rex was riding his bike in Normanville, South Australia, on Saturday night when he was hit by the car, allegedly being driven by Jongewaard - a friend and training partner. The pair had been out celebrating Rex's 22nd birthday.
Jongewaard, who was due to leave for the US next month to ride for Continental team Jittery Joe's, has been charged with dangerous driving, dangerous driving causing injury, driving without due care, failing to stop at an accident scene and failing to render assistance. Police are still awaiting the results of the 27-year-old's blood-alcohol test.
The newly crowned Australian Cross Country Mountain Bike Champion will appear before Adelaide Magistrate's Court on February 20.
Yesterday, Rex was still in an induced coma, his condition described as critical but stable. "This is a horrible tragedy for all the families involved, not just the Rex family," said Rex's manager Max Stevens to the Adelaide Advertiser. Stevens said that it would be "inappropriate" for him to comment on the charges at this time.
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