Well-known cyclist attacked by dogs while biking

A well-known cyclist in Colorado Springs is recovering from a dog attack in north Cheyenne Canon and he hopes sharing his story keeps other people safe.

Chris Carmichael was riding along Canonwood Road up to his cabin when two dogs started running at him. Carmichael said he was familiar with the dogs and had even pet them in the past. However this time, Carmichael said the dogs started attacking him when they reached him.

Almost immediately, the dogs overpowered him and took him to the ground.

“As I fell over, I really got scared because the dogs were still attacking,” said Carmichael. “It was unprovoked, I was just riding my bike to get back to my cabin so immediately, they started attacking right at the onset.”

The dogs continued to bite him and he struggled to get back on his feet.

“The other dog circled back behind me and was getting ready to bite the back of my head. I hit him in the nose and immediately stood up,” said Carmichael. “They were still in attack mode. I grabbed my mountain bike and I started using that as best as I could as a weapon.”

Carmichael was eventually able to get the dogs away and get help. He was treated at a hospital.

“If this was a child — I have a daughter who is 10 years old; if that would have been her, the outcome would have been very different and it would not have been good,” said Carmichael.

The Director of Animal Law Enforcement, Joe Stafford, said as Colorado Springs’ population grows, more people are using the trails and open spaces. Stafford said while there are not more cases of dog attacks or incidents of dogs off leashes, it appears that way because there is more attention on the issue.

Carmichael said while the attack was scary, it’s not the norm on local trails.

“There is a camaraderie and everyone is really friendly and supportive of each other so there is no reason to be worried or concerned,” said Carmichael.

Stafford said the dog attack is being investigated. His team is working to determine what’s next for the dogs involved in the attack.

Carmichael was a member of the U.S. Olympic cycling team and competed in the Tour de France. He owns Carmichael Training Systems, a business devoted to training cyclists.