WARNER ROBINS -- An accident between two bicyclists competing Wednesday in a Golden Olympics race in south Houston County sent both to hospitals.

John Mikkowen, 70, was taken to Houston Medical Center in Warner Robins, and Charles Fetzer, 77, was taken to The Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon after the 10:45 a.m. crash, Houston County sheriff’s Cpl. Sean Alexander said.

Mikkowen’s injuries were not serious, Alexander said. Fetzer was listed in serious but stable condition late Wednesday afternoon, said Janie Poulnott, Medical Center spokeswoman.

The men were competing in a race on Pitts Road when their cycles became entangled, causing them to crash, Alexander said.

The men, both from North Carolina, were traveling about 30 mph, having just come down a hill between Klondike and Grovania roads, Alexander said.

Both men were wearing proper safety equipment including helmets, Alexander said.

Several other bicyclists stopped to render aid as the race continued, Alexander said.

Wednesday marked the first day of the 2012 Golden Olympics in Warner Robins, with 640 seniors signed up to participate in more than 50 events through Saturday. The Golden Olympics started in Warner Robins 30 years ago with six events and 70 participants.

Information from Telegraph archives was used in this report. To contact writer Becky Purser, call 256-9559.