Bicyclist recovering after crash
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
WASHBURN — A professional bicyclist with nearly 100 wins in races spanning the U.S. and Europe, including a victory Sunday morning at a Potato Blossom Festival bike race in Fort Fairfield, was seriously injured as he traveled the Parsons Road during another event that afternoon.
BICYCLIST THAD LaVALLEE, of Boston, was injured in an accident on the Parsons Road in Washburn Sunday afternoon, as he took part in time trials sponsored by Mojo’s. 
Officer Roy Guidry, Washburn Police Department, said LaVallee came in contact with a pickup but the case remains under investigation to determine who, if anyone, was at fault. Here, LaVallee lies on the ground following the crash, awaiting transport to TAMC. He remains hospitalized in fair condition.
“Thad LaVallee, 38, was taking part in time trials sponsored by Mojo’s when the accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. on July 22. He was traveling on the Parsons Road when he somehow came in contact with an F250 pick-up truck operated by Kenneth Ayotte, 53, of Presque Isle,” said Officer Roy Guidry, Washburn Police Department.
Guidry said the accident occurred just north of the Hale Road intersection.
“Witnesses’ statements have been in conflict. I’m still trying to determine what happened. The truck sustained minor front-end damage to the grill area. LaVallee’s racing bike sustained significant damage,” said Guidry.
LaVallee was transported by Crown Ambulance to The Aroostook Medical Center, where he was listed in fair condition at presstime. Guidry said he sustained injury to his right leg, extensive facial injuries including broken bones and more as a result of the accident. LaVallee’s bicycle was considered a total loss.
Guidry said LaVallee had indicated he was from Sharon (Mass.) when he registered for the Mojo event. LaVallee’s Facebook page, however, lists him as residing in Boston and a member of the Class of 2013 at Dartmouth, where he is pursuing his phD in education policy.
Information found on www.velocite-bikes.com notes LaVallee has been “racing at the elite level for over a decade, competing in the U.S. and Europe.”
Guidry said the experience LaVallee has on a bike is the reason he’s questioning all the witness reports carefully.
“I don’t want to jump to conclusions. It appears LaVallee knows what he’s doing — has over 20 years’ experience racing at the international level. I’ve had conflicting reports of where the truck was and whether it was stopped or moving when it came in contact with the bike. At this point, I can’t confirm where the truck was at the time of the accident. The case remains under investigation,” said Guidry.
Police advise motorists to use caution when approaching a bicycle, allowing ample room for passing.
