INJURED REYNOLDS QUITS SUPERBIKES
13 October 2005 - BBC

Former British Superbike champion John Reynolds has retired after suffering multiple injuries in a crash before the championship''s final round.

Reynolds hit a barrier at Brands Hatch during practice on Friday, breaking four ribs and a collarbone, puncturing a lung and damaging his neck and back.

The 40-year-old Rizla Suzuki rider had also broken a leg earlier this year.

''Instantly, I knew it was time to stop. I had a warning with my broken leg. I see this as a final warning,'' he said.

Reynolds was the defending champion until Spain''s Gregorio Lavilla lifted the title at Brands Hatch on Sunday, and had already agreed terms to ride for the Rizla Suzuki team again in 2006.

But he says he is convinced he has made the right decision to quit.

''I am leaving the sport knowing that Rizla Suzuki thought I was good enough to win the championship again,'' he said.

''I''m in a lot of pain right now, but my spirits are very positive and I''m comfortable that there''s an exciting new life for me ahead.''

Reynolds will this week be transferred from a hospital in Dartford to one in his home town of Nottingham to continue his recovery.

www.bbc.co.uk

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