Helicopter mercy dash after cyclist goes under van

A critically injured cyclist was flown to Auckland Hospital by rescue helicopter after a road accident near Mangawhai Heads yesterday. Photo / Supplied

A cyclist on a training ride is in a critical condition after he lost control and went under an oncoming van.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter went to the aid of a man in his 70s who was badly injured when his bike collided with a van on Cove Rd, north of Mangawhai Heads yesterday morning.

Intensive care paramedic Chris Deacon said the local man was enjoying a training ride around 11am when the accident happened.

It is understood he was travelling down a hill when he lost control and his bike collided with a van coming in the opposite direction.

Despite wearing a helmet, the man suffered major head injuries and suspected chest injuries.

A rapid sequence intubation was performed on him at the scene before he was flown to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition.