IAN Hutchinson's surgeon has praised the efforts of the eight-times TT winner as he continues his recovery battle.

It has been confirmed today that the Bingley Bullet - as he is known to race fans - will miss this year's TT due to an ongoing serious injury sustained in the British Supersport race at Silverstone last September.

Ian's surgeon, Mr Krkavic, said: "Ian Hutchinson is an incredibly determined young man.

"When I first saw him I advised him that I thought he should prepare himself for protracted rehabilitation before he could even walk without any aid.

"His courage and determination to win this 'race' is setting new standards in orthopaedic trauma surgery.

"To get as close as he has to competing at the TT Races less than a year after his accident at Silverstone is nothing less than remarkable and I am sure he will win many more races in future."

Hutchinson's unconventional route to fitness included strapping water bottles to his leg and lifting it while he lay in his hospital bed to maintain his leg muscles and he also cycled extensively with a protective metal cage on his injured left leg.

Also see: Hutchinson will miss TT 2011