Sword delights Foxhill fans before injury forces exit...

By TMX Archives on 29th Jul 11

Colunists

CCM teamster Stephen Sword's return to racing after crashing out at Desertmartin, where he dislocated his shoulder and damaged his ankle was always going to be a tough call.

Just four-weeks after sustaining his shoulder and ankle injury Sword's battled to gain enough fitness to pose a serious threat at his 'home' circuit, Foxhill, on Sunday.

He rode just twice during last week and took the decision he could race to win even though he was not 100-percent fit. The Scot did not disappoint his fans at the famous GP track and after a cautious qualifying session where he finished fifth, come race one Swordy had no intentions of letting himself or his fans down by storming to a convincing win over series leader Brad Anderson.

Sword blasted down the valley on the opening lap in the lead with Anderson in hot pursuit.

After a couple of laps the CCM rider let Anderson through and that's where they stayed for most of the race with Sword stalking Anderson, rattling him in to making a number of mistakes.

With two laps remaining, Sword pounced and overtook the Maxxis series leader and claimed a well-deserved chequered flag, much to the delight of his fans and all the Buildbase CCM crew.

Race two and all was set for another remarkable comeback ride from the determined Scot. Stephen didn't disappoint and within the first lap he'd pulled away from the chasing pack with Anderson in hot pursuit.

The duo pulled away and with Swordy in control at the head of the field all looked good for a remarkable double win - until half-distance when Stephen clouted his damaged ankle on one of the many rutted berms.

In excruciating pain the Scot slowed dramatically, allowing Anderson to cruise past without a challenge. Sword continued to coast round back to the pits where he had to be helped off his bike. His racing was over as the pain was too much and he decided he couldn't participate in the third leg.

Mechanic Ryan Thorpe summed up the weekend that promised so much by saying: "Seems like if we didn't have bad luck, we would have no luck at all!"

Stephen was due to have a scan this week to find out the true extent of the injury he's been carrying since Desertmartin – his participation at the next round of the Red Bull Pro Nationals (this weekend) is in serious jeopardy.

However, the seasoned GP runner and former British Champion is no stranger to injuries and we all hope to see him fit and well very soon, challenging for more race wins before the end of the season.

Share this…