Dr Bonning's riding to the rescue

John Bonning knows there can be a lot of pain, as well as pleasure, in mountainbiking.

The medical director at this week's 2006 UCI Mountain Bike and Trials World Championships in Rotorua is in charge of ensuring injured riders get swift and efficient medical attention.

A dedicated mountainbiker, he has plenty of empathy for those who faceplant (hit the ground face first) as a result of an endo.

Endo is short for "end over end" and is the act of flying unexpectedly over the handlebars.

Dr Bonning and most of his 50-strong team were involved in the Oceania Championships on Mt Ngongotaha in March.

"There were only a couple of really nasty injuries during the Oceanias."

A freak accident saw one rider hit a tree and "kill his kidney" during that event.

There were also six broken collarbones, a few dozen concussions, a few broken arms and one rider almost ripped his bottom lip off.

The medical team dealt with about 60 people at the Oceanias.

Five were sent to hospital and they're preparing for "a bit more of the same" this week.

"There were 250 riders at the Oceanias and there are 650 at the Worlds.

"The skill level will be on average a fair bit higher but some of these guys will be really pushing the envelope," Dr Bonning said.

The downhill and 4X events are the worst for injuries.

Medical teams will also be posted at "danger spots" on the longer courses, ready to swing into action in case of a biff (crash) or, worse still, a wang chung - a particularly painful injury suffered by male riders involving a bike's crossbar.

"We have got a lot of painkillers, a lot of slings, lots of suturing material."

The medical team would also tend to spectators if they needed help.

Rotorua Hospital wanted a few extra doctors working this week but couldn't get them, according to spokeswoman Sue Wilkie.

People with minor health issues should go to their GP or Lakes PrimeCare initially to avoid congestion in the hospital emergency department, she said.

Lakes PrimeCare business manager Christine Kampfraath said the centre was not expecting any increased workload this week. There was a medical team at the Worlds venue and more serious injuries would go to hospital, she said. However, the centre was prepared to be "a little bit busier" due to the extra visitors in town.