THE former World Superbike champion Neil Hodson retired from professional racing in April.

The Island resident had been plagued by injuries sustained in a major crash while motocrossing in California in 2009.

In the first race of the 2010 British Superbike series at Brands Hatch last month Hodgson came off his bike and exacerbated a shoulder injury which led to the decision to hang up his leathers.

Neil said: "I am gutted obviously. It will take time for me to come to terms with retirement but it is the right decision.

"My shoulder will get back to probably 90 percent over the next couple of years so I will be able to have a normal life."

Neil Hodgson was British Superbike champion in 2000 and World Superbike champion three years later.