Pearson ruled out for four weeks

Michael Pearson crashed on lap one of the Superbike race

Irish Superbike champion Michael Pearson has been ruled out for four weeks after crashing in Monday's Irish Superbike meeting at Kirkistown.

The Carryduff Forklifts/Boost Drinks rider will miss the next round of the series at Mondello Park in April.

The Ballygowan man suffered a fractured hand and severe bruising to his back and arms after highsiding on lap one.

Pearson was one of four riders who required hospital treatment after crashes due to cold track temperatures.

The meeting was eventually abandoned midway through the day because of the bad weather conditions.

Pearson should be back in the saddle in time to compete in the North West 200 in May and has not ruled out racing at a meeting at Scarborough on 20 April if his injuries heal quickly.

Ballymena rider Denver Robb suffered a broken collarbone in a separate accident while John Anderton suffered a hip injury.

Robb's team-mate Alistair Kirk suffered back injuries, which were not serious.