Former World and British Superbike champion Neil Hodgson announced his retirement today. Hodgson who returned to the British Superbike championship this year, crashed during practice at Brands Hatch, reinjuring the same shoulder he had previously damaged in a terrible motocross training accident last year in the States.

Hodgson underwent a series of tests and seen several specialists during these last three weeks hoping for a solution, but a leading shoulder specialist in Manchester yesterday nixed Hodgon’s hopes and forcing him to make the difficult decision after a 20 year long career to retire.

Hodgson said: “To be honest I’m still pretty shell shocked from Brands, when you start the season you know you’re going to have to take a few knocks but the very first time I slide off I land straight on my shoulder! I knew it was bad, I have lived with it all last year and got to understand the level of weakness and recovery. I had more work to do but was really happy with the progress, riding the bike was the best therapy but also the biggest risk.”

“I am gutted obviously, I had a plan to come back to the UK and have some fun with Rob and his team, It will take time for me to come to terms with this but it is the right decision. My shoulder will get back to probably 90% over the next couple of years so I will be able to have a normal life.”

“For all my fans and all the supporters who have been with me over the years I want to thank them all, Rob’s team and sponsors for this year I really am sorry I could not fulfil our plans, the Motorpoint guys and all Rob’s team have been great and I hoped to be part of their success this year.”

Neil Hodgson won the BSB title in 2000 and the WSBK title in 2003.

(no votes)

0 comments