 Ian Hutchinson has won two North West 200 races |
Ian Hutchinson is hopeful that he will be fit to ride at the North West 200 international road races in May. The Yorkshire rider had been a major doubt for the event on 21 May because of serious leg injuries sustained in a crash at Silverstone last September. "Training and physio sessions are going extremely well - I'm feeling good and have regained weight," said Hutchinson. "I'm certainly not in any pain and the doctors are delighted with my recovery progress," added the Swan Yamaha rider. The 31-year-old has been working hard since early January to regain full fitness following a number of operations pre-Christmas. "I'm working out in the gym three times a week using the cross trainer and cycling machines and am also receiving regular physiotherapy on my legs.  | While race day is hard work, the track is not a busy one and the two practice sessions will give me the chance to get back into competitive racing |
"I'm also out on the roads cycling, as well as using a quad bike on off road trails near my home and all these activities are helping me regain strength and fitness in preparation for the metal cages coming off around Easter time. "We're airing on the side of caution by not aiming for Brands Hatch on 22-25 April but by that stage I should be able to walk about 'cage-free'." The Bingley rider believes the North West track would be an excellent one to make his comeback on. "While race day is hard work, the track is not a busy one and the two practice sessions, especially Thursday daytime, will give me the chance to get back into competitive racing," added Hutchinson. "We plan to take part at Croft the week before the North West, but will also undergo regular testing pre-Croft in preparation for the North West Superbike, 600c and Supersport races." North West Technical Director Mervyn Whyte said it was great news that Hutchinson's recovery programme is progressing ahead of schedule. "Ian has two North West wins under his belt and we are delighted that he will be on the grid for 2011," he said.
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