Sykes: “I could ride now if I had to”

Factory Yamaha WSB man Tom Sykes is confident of a quick recovery following his 100mph crash on the final day of the Kyalami test in South Africa four weeks ago.

The 23 year old crashed his R1 after a mechanical problem threw him off the bike at the end of a fourth gear straight – breaking bones in his foot and suffering ligament damage in his shoulder.

After the crash which happened in the final hour of the test, Sykes returned to the UK that night for treatment and is now contemplating undergoing laser treatment to help speed recovery in time for the next round of WSB testing which takes place at the Parkalgar circuit in Portugal on 23rd to 25th January.

Speaking to MCN, Sykes said:

“I’m feeling OK and I was actually out on a quad a few days ago. My foot and my shoulder are still painful, I can walk about OK, but it’s annoying not being able to do any running.

“My shoulder has got ligament damage so I have to be careful with it. I can’t really put my arm behind me but when it’s in front it feels OK despite the popping and crunching noises its making.

“I think my foot is going to ache when I get it into my boot, but I could ride now if I had to and I’m confident for the test at Parkalgar.”