Glasgow 2026: New Joe Stable Despite Facial Fractures, Cleared To Fly Home

Glasgow: National track cyclist Lau New Joe is in stable condition and has been cleared to return to Malaysia after being involved in a crash during the men's 10-kilometre (km) scratch race final at the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games here on Saturday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian contingent chief medical officer Dr Kamarul Hashimy Hussein stated that New Joe was taken to the emergency department at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, where he underwent a computed tomography (CT) scan and full-body X-rays. The CT scan did not reveal any internal bleeding in the brain, although there were minor fractures to the facial bones. The emergency department doctors then referred him to maxillofacial specialists for immediate treatment, which took place from about 9 pm until 1 am.

Dr Kamarul mentioned that New Joe was later discharged from the hospital and returned to the team hotel, with the National Sports Institute (NSI) set to oversee his follow-up treatment upon his return to Malaysia. New Joe also sustained dental injuries, including fractured teeth, necessitating several treatment sessions and follow-up procedures with maxillofacial specialists.

The NSI plans to provide psychological support to New Joe, who is reported to have a strong mentality and a winning spirit. The institute will monitor his fitness, including stamina and muscle endurance, to ensure he is in peak condition when cleared to compete again. There is hope for his speedy recovery, and if given the opportunity, he may return to compete at the Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4.

Dr Kamarul confirmed that New Joe, who is making his Commonwealth Games debut this edition, has been cleared to fly and is scheduled to return to Malaysia with the national contingent tomorrow, August 3. During last night's race at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, New Joe had to be stretchered off by the medical team and was listed as 'Did Not Finish' in the official results. The crash, involving nine riders, occurred shortly before the final lap as the field began sprinting towards the finish, with New Joe appearing to be briefly unconscious following the incident.

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