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SEVERAL Olympics cyclists suffered nasty injuries when they crashed into each other at 40mph in the velodrome.

Competitors in the women's keirin slid DOWN the track as pieces of bike whizzed around before needing treatment.

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Steffie van der Peet crashes during the quarter-finals of the keirinCredit: BBC
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Liying Yuan looked in pain as well as distressCredit: AP
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Nicky Degrendele and China’s Yuan Liying were left prone following the collisionCredit: AFP

Belgium’s Nicky Degrendele and China’s Yuan Liying ended up prone by the side of their bicycles following the high-speed collision.

Degrendele looked in pain as medics checked her out.

And Liying grimaced as she was helped away - appearing to be in great distress.

The smash happened in the first heat after riders crossed the line.

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The bikes of Yuan and Netherlands star Steffie van der Peet appeared to make contact, with riders and machines being sent hurtling down the track.

Degrendele was also sent skidding off when the spinning body of Yuan appeared to catch her bike.

Fortunately, despite being scratched and shaken up, all three riders were later given the all-clear fitness-wise.

Meanwhile, Velodrome staff had to clear up bits of a broken bike.

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Steffie van der Peet was sent tumblingCredit: Rex
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Belgium’s Nicky Degrendele needed assistance after the crashCredit: AFP

They then vacuumed the track and had to tape it up as it was damaged, before it was repaired the same afternoon.

Viewers reacted with shock at seeing the crash and relief at hearing there were no serious issues.

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"Unbelievable," said one, while another noted: "It can be dangerous."

A third posted: "Absolutely intense! Glad to hear everyone’s alright and the track’s back in shape."

a group of cyclists are racing on a track and one of them is wearing a jersey that says ' scott ' on it
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Van der Peet was the cyclist caught at the back of the impactCredit: BBC
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