Two-time World Superbike champion James Toseland has seen his racing days come to an end. Toseland, who crashed at Aragon earlier this year and injured his wrist, was just told by his surgeon that his injury was irreparable.
Toseland suffered his career ending injury in March at the Aragon circuit. Toseland has returned to racing but he has struggled with his injuries at recent races. Toseland's Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mike Hayton, has told the motorcycle racer that it is no longer safe for him to continue racing.
"JT has shown dedication and determination in our aim to recover the best possible function in his right wrist," Hayton said. "While his approach to recovery has been admirable and he has continued to make good progress, he has not recovered enough range of movement in the right wrist to continue as an elite motorcyclist."
Toseland, obviously devastated by the news, said that because of his injury, racing is no longer safe for him or for the other riders on the track.
"2011 has been a tough year for me and this week has been one of the most difficult of my life, but advice from professionals has made it clear that my crash at Aragon has left me with a permanent disability, which means that I will never again be able to ride competently at this level," Toseland said. "While that's hard to hear, I have to place the emphasis on the safety of other riders in the paddock as well as myself and I realise that it's not fair to occupy a World Superbike seat with a team as professional as BMW Motorrad Italia when there are fit and talented riders available who are desperate for this type of opportunity.
"I hope that the team can find a replacement who is able to do justice to the bike and the people working on it. I hadn't expected my retirement to come at this time or in this way and I'm extremely sad to be leaving racing behind, but I still have the memories of the amazing opportunities and success that this career has provided me with."
Toseland did not comment on his future plans. BMW has not announced a replacement.
