A 34-YEAR-OLD driver has been charged over a pile-up involving up to 50 elite cyclists in Kensington last Thursday which threatens to derail the Olympic preparation of the cycling champion Ben Kersten.

Kate Nichols, who suffered horrific injuries during a crash in Germany in 2005 which killed the cycling champion Amy Gillett, was also riding in the large pack after a long lay-off from cycling.

Cyclists in the group, many of whom suffered cuts and bruises after crashing while travelling close to 60kmh, reported that an older model Ford Falcon sedan swerved into their lane and slammed on its brakes.