Rea breaks leg in Germany

The 26-year-old, a former pupil at Larne Grammar, had been in contention for a podium finish on the Pata Honda before falling at approximately 225kph on oil from another rider’s machine, two laps before the end of the scheduled 20 at the 5.137km circuit.

The crash brought out the red flags to end the race early with victory going to British rider Tom Sykes. Eugene Lavery also crashed out of race one but in race two finished second to Chaz Davies.

“I’ve felt better, but I’m hoping to get the leg pinned later tonight so hopefully I can be home in a few days and start the recovery as soon as possible,” Rea said at the weekend. “It’s unbelievable what was happening with the flags in the race because I saw an oil flag at turn six but then nothing at turn seven or after that. I went down at the fast left at turn eight and, unfortunately, I stayed conscious throughout so I can remember everything.

“I was feeling pretty good before then and, although I didn’t have the pace to pass the guys in front, it was clear I had the best package and, although it was late in the race, I still had good grip levels. Until I hit the oil.”