Adams seriously injured in Finke practice
The former world speedway No. 2 retired at the end of last year with a charmed record of avoiding injury, but now in a cruel twist he's been badly hurt on a dirt bikeAustralian speedway icon Leigh Adams, 40, has suffered serious injuries in a big crash while preparing for this weekend’s Finke Desert Race in the Northern Territory.
Adams, who retired from speedway competition at the end of last season, was transported by air from Alice Springs to Adelaide Hospital after the crash on Tuesday, with the Mildura Independent newspaper reporting that Adams suffered two punctured lungs, several broken ribs, a broken back and suspected spinal damage in the crash.
He underwent a marathon six-hour operation on his back to stabilise and strengthen his badly injured spine. Surgeons are understood to be very happy with the outcome of the operation.
Leigh’s wife Kylie says he is doing better than expected given the magnitude of his injuries.
“He has no feeling in his legs at present except a little bit in one thigh," Kylie said. "But that situation could certainly change and improve in the weeks and months ahead. He faces a long hard road to recovery. He's currently in intensive care but could be moved out today into the special spinal unit.
"He's actually very stable and probably a bit too well to be in intensive care. He's very alert and talking. Leigh has no head injuries at all which is wonderful news. He's just very sleepy due to the pain medication being administered."
The freak accident is believed to have occurred around 1:00pm on Tuesday when Adams speared into a rocky section of the dry creek bed.
The former world No.2 was one of the most popular riders in the sport when he retired last October and riders, fans and pundits have taken to Twitter in their droves to wish him a speedy recovery.
Chris Holder, who lodged with Adams in Mildura during his victorious Australian Championship campaign, tweeted: “Hope everything turns out ok for Leigh Adams... Praying for you mate.”
World Championship leader Greg Hancock added: “Just heard the sad news about Leigh Adams’ accident in Australia. Thinking about you man. Hang in there!!”
The Bikesales Network will keep you posted on Leigh’s condition.
Adams was set to ride a Honda CRF450R in Australia’s most prestigious desert race, which takes riders on a two-day, 452km return race from Alice Springs to the tiny outpost of Finke. The top riders complete the event in just over four hours, at an average speed of around 110km/h.
Over 500 riders have entered this year, including defending champion Toby Price (KTM), multiple winner Ben Grabham (KTM), Alice Springs local Ryan Branford (Husaberg), Todd Smith (Honda), Jacob Smith (Honda), Yamaha ace Rod Faggotter, Jarrod Bewley (KTM) and motocross star Craig Anderson (Honda).
Price won last year’s race from Todd Smith and Branford, snapping Grabham’s three-year stranglehold on the desert showpiece.
The 8.3km prologue will be held on Saturday, which all competitors must complete to determine their starting positions for day one.
Click on the following link for more information on the 2011 Finke Desert Race.
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