Cadel Evans' wife says Warne's 'hate towards cyclists worrying'

Irish Sun (ANI) Wednesday 18th January, 2012

The wife of Tour de France champ Cadel Evans has said that she would be terrified of meeting Shane Warne while riding a bike after the cricket legend allegedly abused and attacked a cyclist.

Chiara Passerini was responding to the current controversy surrounding the cricketer over his alleged road rage spat.

"I would be very scared of meeting someone like @warne888 during a bike ride. His hate towards cyclists is worrying. Glad I only ride a little!" the Herald Sun quoted her as tweeting.

Earlier, a man claiming to be the cyclist at the centre of the ordeal said Warne deliberately drove into his back after the altercation.

The man, who detailed his version of events in a letter sent to the media, said the attack left him unable to ride his bike.

The letter was later posted on a prominent cycling website and soon went viral on social media.

Police have confirmed they spoke to both parties involved but said there would be no further action.

But cycle lobby groups have demanded the cricket legend be investigated if the cyclist's claims were accurate.

An independent witness, who asked not to be named, confirmed the cyclist's version of events.

The man said he saw the incident unfold and was stunned to realise it was Warne in the driver's seat.

"He literally did run over the bike," the witness said.

Warne has denied the claim and said the cyclist had abused him.

"He was lucky I was polite and careful after smacking my car twice. I might have put my foot down and tried to hit him," Warne said.

"Let me make it clear, I do not hate cyclists. I think what disappoints a lot of people is the attitude of the bike rider.

"Bike riders, please obey the road laws and stop antagonising car drivers," he said.

Warne called for mandatory registration for cyclists and said he was happy to work with cycling advocacy groups to make it happen.

He also called on two-abreast cycling laws to be scrapped in favour of single file riding.

Dave Lee, spokesman for the Amy Gillett Foundation, which says its mission is 'safe bicycling in Austrlia', said if witnesses were available police should investigate the incident further.

He said Warne's calls for bicycle registration plates should also be looked into.

"The key thing out of all this is absolutely about respect and awareness on the road between all road users," he said. (ANI)