Leg problems hinder Iddon
STOCKPORT racer Christian Iddon secured a solitary point at Oulton Park, in Cheshire, at the latest rounds of the 2015 MCE British Superbike Championship as the Cheshire venue basked, eventually, in sunshine.
The Bennetts Suzuki rider, back on his bike just two weeks after breaking his Fibula in a crash at Brands Hatch in Kent, was passed fit for his ‘home’ races after some intensive rehabilitation that included spending time in a Hyperbaric Chamber.
Free Practice was a rain interrupted affair as the weekend began.
Iddon’s best showing was during FP2 in very wet conditions where he set 18th fastest time around Oulton’s International layout.
“This weekend has been much tougher than expected to be honest.
“I had high hopes coming into this round despite my injury,” admitted Iddon.
“The first session was very difficult for me to ride.
“Despite intensive reha-
I bilitation I just didn’t have the movement in my leg and ankle but thankfully as the sessions went on that improved.
“It then rained for Practice 2 and was damp in Practice 3, so useful track time was minimal.
“Add that to missing the test last week and I think I was just behind the game”
Qualifying saw the former World Superbike racer line up 24th on the grid for the first of two races in leafy Cheshire.
In Race 1 Iddon climbed to 17th despite suffering yet more problems as an indirect result of his broken leg.
“I was able to move forwards but by mid race I suffered from arm pump”, explained Iddon.
“I’ve not had it for about three years and I’m really disappointed to get it but I think not being able to use my leg properly meant I was doing far too much with my upper body.”
Christian started Race 2 from 17th and secured what could turn out to be a vital point by taking 15th place at the flag.
“BSB is so close this year and I was in the fight that went right up into the top 10 but I just didn’t have the consistency of lap time to move forwards through the group,” he said.
“To come away with a single point is difficult to take but we never gave up. The goal is to get in the showdown so every point counts and even that single point would never have been possible if it wasn’t down to some incredible support I’ve had over the past couple of weeks.”
Iddon added: “I would like to personally thank those who made put in so much effort over the last couple of weeks.
“The team have been so supportive and made sure I had everything I needed.
“Also to friends and family who have all gone out of their way to do everything possible to get me in the best shape possible.
“I hope over the rest of the season I can repay all their efforts with the results we deserve”.
Christian now has more time to recuperate as the next round of the Series isn’t until the 21st June, when the BSB Championship moves on to Snetterton in Norfolk.
‘I think not being able to use my leg properly meant I was doing far too much with my upper body’