Rossiter says Gathercole has progressed this year

Swindon Robins back-up rider Cory Gathercole has been sidelined after breaking his thumb riding for his Premier League side, the Isle of Wight.

The Australian crashed in the Islanders home win over Scunthorpe and his thumb is now in a plaster cast.

"His rear chain snapped and spat him over the handlebars," Robins manager Alun Rossiter told BBC Radio Swindon.

"This freak accident is unfortunate because he's been having a great season and has really blossomed this year."

But Rossiter has tipped Dane Mads Korneliussen to get over the disappointment of not qualifying from the World Championship semi-final.

"He won't wallow in this. Mads is a positive person and he will pick himself up," he said.

"On Thursday he goes head-to-head with his brother-in-law, Charlie Gjedde, so that's plenty of motivation for him."