AN AMERICAN cyclist has been flown to hospital following a crash with a car this afternoon (Friday).

The A66 was shut for around three hours following the incident near Threlkeld at around 1.30pm.

The cyclist, a 60-year-old man from Florida, received serious injuries and was taken to Newcastle via air ambulance.

The 43-year-old male driver of the car, a Toyota Avensis, from Threlkeld was not injured.