A BADLY-INJURED mountain biker from Machynlleth had to be stretchered off a wet, windy hillside before being transferred to hospital.

On Monday afternoon 28 December, call-handlers from Aberdyfi Search and Rescue Team received a request from the Welsh Ambulance Service to help get an injured mountain biker from a hillside near Machynlleth.

The 25-year-old man had fallen from his bike and injured an ankle so badly he was unable to bear his own weight.

The emergency services were alerted by an off-duty fireman, and preliminary assessment and treatment was conducted by a paramedic.

The incident was some distance from the road, on slippery terrain, and so the request for mountain rescue assistance was made.

The man was taken by stretcher to an awaiting ambulance for further treatment at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth.

A Welsh Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed the incident.

“We were called on Monday, 28 December at approximately 4.35pm to reports of someone having injured themselves whilst mountain biking near to the golf club in Machynlleth.

“We sent one emergency ambulance and took the patient to Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth following treatment at the scene.”