- even though the demi-fond was always widely recognised as being an extremely tough and highly skilled discipline.

Yes, indeed, a lot of accidents has happen and some riders have got killed ............ but that's all before World War II 1940 - 1945.

The last stayer who got killed during a race was in 1959 when Belgian Willy "Rupske" Lauwers in Palma De Majorca (Spain) when he got 2 flat tyres (punctures) at the same time, and fell down off a very steep 50° banked track.

When you see how many stayer races are held and how many miles/km the stayers are riding behind this (special made) motors, without any accidents or injuries. The same is for the Derny races, because the pacers and riders are all very experienced in this.

Believe me, a lot more serious accidents happen (every year) in road races, the descents after Hill climbs, MTB descents, and not forget, during Keirin sprint races on the track.

I have seen a few hundred Derny and Stayer races, but are just waiting (and have never seen) a crash during a race or on training.
A bit different with some other track disiplines like madison, were I have seen 2, 3 , 4 and more crashes in only a 40 min. race.

If it is so dangerous I don't think that a 65 year old guy, like German stayer Paul Bruggeman, here behind his pacer, was still riding in competition in Germany and outside. (See picture enclosed)