Rory in top spot
Rory at Assen. Pic: Bonnie Lane Rory Skinner battled through the pain barrier to ensure he heads into the final weekend of the British Talent Cup in pole position.
The Perth High School student, who had broken his foot seven days earlier, powered to a race win and a second place finish in Assen, Netherlands.
Now he will travel to Valencia in November as the one to beat, with a 12-point lead over English racer Thomas Strudwick.
Speaking after finishing second in Sunday’s race two, Rory said:“I don’t think I can be unsatisfied with this result.
“Coming into the weekend I wasn’t actually sure if I would be racing at all. With the injury to my foot, it has not been the easiest of weekends.
“To be only five thousandths off the win – I led the whole race and was the main pacesetter – I’m really happy.
“Max [Cook] rode a great race and it was a clean move from him in the last lap, so fair play to him.
“The main thing is making sure that my foot is healed, if I’m honest. That was probably the main hindrance to me this weekend.
“I’ll keep training hard and make sure that I’m 100 per cent physically and mentally prepared for the final round.”
Despite his injury, Rory was always keen to take to the track in order to keep ahead in the championship.
“It was my choice to be riding this week because I’m determined to win the championship,”he said.
“I want to win the championship, that is my main goal and that is the reason I’m racing.
“That is my main motivation and I’ve just got to get on with it, grit and fight the pain.”