BAD BREAK FOR HODDER

GLASGOW and Leicester Lion Cubs youngster Freddy Hodder has suffered a broken leg in a crash in the Czech Republic on Saturday.

Hodder was racing in the Golden Ribbon at Pardubice, a meeting which showcases the up-and-coming stars of the sport, when he was involved in the accident in his second ride.

Opponent Petr Kvech came to grief as the riders headed into the first bend, and in taking avoiding action Hodder went heavily into the fence. He was taken to hospital for an operation.

He said: “I’m absolutely gutted. I had an amazing opportunity to race in the Golden Ribbon, but unfortunately my meeting ended early.

“I was involved in a crash where I had nowhere to go, and unfortunately I’ve broken my leg. I’m absolutely devastated.”

There was better news for Belle Vue and Poole’s Will Cairns who finished third overall in the meeting, whilst Luke Killeen of Sheffield and Oxford reached the semi-finals. The meeting was won by Polish hotshot Maksymilian Pawelczak.