NW200 rider critical after crash

John Anderton crashed during a practice session

The motorcycle racer who was injured in a crash at a practice session for the North West 200 in Portstewart is still in a critical condition in hospital.

John Anderton, 29, from Antrim, was taken to the Causeway Hospital in Coleraine but was later moved to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

The crash happened during the final session of the 600cc class at Station Corner at about 2120 BST on Tuesday.

The rider was travelling at over 100 mph on a fast section of the circuit.

Clerk of the course Mervyn Whyte said Mr Anderton appeared to have lost control of his bike on the exit of Station Corner and was thrown about 100 yards along the road.

He said Mr Anderton had suffered leg and head injuries.

Mr Anderton had been competing in England for the last few years but had returned to Northern Ireland this year to ride in the Irish Supersport Championship.

He crashed in the first round of the championship at Mondello Park in March and the injuries he sustained ruled him out of the Ulster team for the MotoSix Six Nations Championship at Donington Park.

The rider's IFS Ulster Grand Prix Bike Week team has announced that it has pulled out of the remainder of the North West 200.

Christian Elkin was also scheduled to compete for the team at the event although he also has other rides this week.

An IFS spokesman said that the team's decision to pull out was "no reflection on the sport, the North West 200 or the Ulster Grand Prix bike week".

"We just feel it is right to give the team and people close to John time to reflect on what has happened," added the IFS spokesman.

The rider's condition was described as stable on Wednesday evening and doctors were able to operate on his leg injuries.

The full extent of his injuries are expected to become clearer over the next 24 hours.

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