https://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/...-spinal-injury

Nelson mountainbiker suffers spinal injury

TIM NEWMAN

Last updated 16:56, September 11 2018
Patrick Hamilton

Promising Nelson rider Finn Richardson was flown to Christchurch after his horror crash.

A young Nelson mountainbiker has sustained potentially serious back injuries following a crash.

Finn Richardson, 17, was airlifted to Christchurch Hospital on Saturday after falling off his mountainbike at a property in Todds Valley.

Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust pilot Barry McAuliffe said a chopper was sent out after a call was received at 2pm on Saturday.

McAuliffe said Richardson landed heavily after going over the handlebars and landing on his head and neck.

With suspected back injuries, Richardson was winched into the helicopter and flown directly to Christchurch's spinal unit, where he arrived at about 4.45pm.

Richardson posted about his "potentially life changing crash" on his Instagram page on Sunday.

He said he had broken his T5 vertebrae, and was trying to stay positive while looking forward to a long period of recovery.

A Christchurch Hospital spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon that it was still "too early to tell" the extent of Richardson's injuries.