A TALENTED triathlete with dreams of becoming a professional cyclist was injured when she crashed after hitting a pothole.

Faye Menzies, 18, of Rochford, is being treated at the Royal London Hospital for serious injuries to her neck, back, chest and pelvis.

She was thrown into the path of a car when she crashed in Southend Road, Rochford.

The former Seevic College pupil won the sprint distance World Triathlon title in Hyde Park last month.

It has emerged the road had been recently repaired after National Grid works, and two people had reported the dangerous surface before Faye’s accident last week.

Louise Chapelle, a family friend of Stilwells, Rochford, said: “Thankfully she was wearing a helmet and she is an experienced rider, which undoubtedly saved her life.

“I hope the shoddy roads have not affected her longterm plans as a triathlete, where she has already won a number of trophies.”

Faye was hoping for a career as a professional cyclist.

Seevic College principal Nick Spenceley wrote to Faye’s mother earlier in the week to express his shock at the accident, pass on his best wishes and offer support.

Hannah Austin, Faye’s personal tutor, said: “I was horrified to hear Faye had been involved in such a serious accident.

“For a lively young woman with fantastic prospects, full of fun with such a jovial personality, it is difficult to hear she has been involved in an incident of this nature.

“Faye’s determination, confidence and motivation will be instrumental in her recovery. I wish her well, and a fast return to full fitness.”

Essex County Council is investigating the standard of the work carried out by National Grid in Southend Road, close to the Anne Boleyn pub.

Cyclist Dan Makin, 40, of Ashingdon, broke his shoulder and collar bone after hitting the same pothole last month and he reported the dangerous surface.

District councillor Jill Lucas-Gill also reported the pothole, the week before Faye’s accident.

Council officers had marked the 3ins-deep hole for inspection within 28 days.

Eddie Johnson, deputy councillor for highways and transport, said: “Our thoughts and wishes remain with the injured girl and her family at this difficult time.

“The roadworks were carried out by National Grid, which has since been on site to carry out repairs.

“Our investigation into the matter is ongoing and it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this stage.”

National Grid engineers carried out further repairs on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday last week.