THOMPSON STAYS WITH LIONS

LEICESTER have confirmed Joe Thompson will retain their Rising Star berth for the remainder of the ROWE Motor Oil Premiership season.

Thompson rejoined the Lions in May as an injury replacement when Dan Gilkes, who had taken over from Sam Hagon, suffered knee damage in a crash at Poole.

Gilkes is now heading for surgery and will not race again this year, so Thompson stays in position for the East Midlands side who won the KO Cup last week and are strongly placed to reach the play-offs.

Thompson said: “I’m really pleased to be joining the Leicester team on a full-time basis. It’s never ideal to come in as a replacement for an injured rider, and I’d like to wish Dan all the best with his recovery.

“I feel like I’ve been making good progress recently and I’m looking forward to continuing that development alongside the team as we head towards the play-offs.”