A director of the British professional cycling team who was thrown from her bicycle after hitting a pothole has won a substantial amount in compensation.

Fran Millar, Head of Operations for Team Sky and sister of professional cyclist David Millar, was cycling along Oldham High Street when the accident happened in May 2010. She swerved to avoid a pothole, but in doing so hit a larger hole in the road and was thrown from her bicycle.

Ms Millar landed heavily on her face and hands and was knocked unconscious. She was treated in hospital for a broken jaw and cheek and for broken fingers. She also lost several teeth in the accident.

She brought a claim against Oldham Council, which is responsible for the upkeep of the road. She claimed that the defect which had led to the accident was caused by poor resurfacing after the Council had dug the road up to carry out repairs to underground pipes.

Ms Millar won an undisclosed amount in compensation for her injuries. She has made a good recovery and has been able to continue cycling, recently completing the 198km ‘Etape du Tour’, the amateur stage of the Tour de France.