Accident leaves competitor hospitalized

A Steamboat Classic Triathlon competitor had to be transported to a St. Louis area hospital Sunday after being struck by an automobile during the cycling portion of the event.

Ernest Rigdon, 32, of Columbia, Mo., was struck by a brown 1979 van at the intersection of Boutin Drive and Wintergreen Drive near the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, according to Cape Girardeau Police station commander David Gilbertson .

According to Gilbertson, Rigdon was struck by a vehicle driven by Roy Blankenship of Cape Girardeau.

No further accident details were available, but Gilbertson said a complete report will be issued today.

Rigdon, whose condition was unavailable, was taken by ambulance to Saint Francis Medical Center before being transported to St. Louis.

Race officials said Rigdon was a participating representative from Splitmaster, a timing and race management company that co-sponsored the triathlon.

-- Mark C.J. Unterreiner