A “GREAT champion” for bicycle riders is still in a critical condition in Poole Hospital.

Lindsi Bluemel suffered head injuries after riding over a piece of UPVC plastic in the cycle lane of the westbound A338 Wessex Way at around 9.15am on Sunday.

The 56-year-old is the chairman of Southampton Cycling Campaign and was not wearing a helmet because hers had been stolen two days beforehand.

She had passed under the Springbourne flyover and was riding towards the ‘on’ slip road when she rode over the five metre long piece of plastic and her back wheel slipped.

A Dorset Police spokesman said yesterday that her condition was stable but still life threatening.

Dilys Gartside, media spokesman for the Southampton Cycling Campaign, said: “Lindsi is a great champion for cyclists.

“She cycles more miles in a year than many people drive and she is personally responsible for many cycle facilities that have been installed over the past two or three decades.

“We wish her a speedy recovery. We all hold her in enormous admiration. She hadn’t regained consciousness on Sunday.”

She added: “We have planned to do the John O’Groats to Lands End ride together next for my 60th birthday.

“At the time of the accident I believe she had been cycling for work on the Sky Ride.”

Mike Chakley, chairman of the Bournemouth Cycling Forum, said: “The Wessex Way is one of our two major arterial roads – anyone wanting to cycle between Ringwood and Bournemouth is forced to use it.

“We do, of course, wish her a speedy and full recovery.”

Witnesses can contact PC Brehmer on the non emergency number 101 if they have information.