Speedway: Injured Woffinden pulls out of GP

Tai Woffinden has admitted defeat in his battle to be fit for tomorrow’s speedway Grand Prix in Poland.

The defending world champion broke his hand in a track crash last Saturday and has been receiving treatment all week in a bid to be fit for tomorrow’s race in Gorzow.

But two laps in this afternoon’s practice were enough for him to throw in the towel and withdraw from the event.

It gives championship leader Greg Hancock the chance to pull out a massive gap on Woffinden, who is currently five points behind him in second.

Woffinden said: “I’m gutted about it but not totally surprised because I knew I was up against it. I went out there to see what I could do and I had to pull up after a couple of laps.

“I’ve done all I can to race. I had a local anaesthetic in the hand, I had daily physio, I had ice treatment, I had softer grips on the bike and a different clutch set-up – but it was no good. This is the logical, but obviously regrettable, decision.”

The 24-year-old now has two more weeks before the next round in Vojens, Denmark on September 13. But if Hancock scores big in Gorzow he may be in need of a miracle to still be in the championship hunt by then.