By Carly Rathmell
August 11 2003

Warren Steele ended his Supermoto des Nations trip in a remote hospital in the French Alps. Steele was representing Great Britain alongside World Supermoto star Kurt Nicoll and fellow British Supermoto rider Christian Iddon. Warren broke his tibia and ankle in a freak accident whilst competing in the 650 Class race. Disaster struck when another competitor’s bike blew its engine in front of Steele and the chasing pack, throwing oil all over the racing line. Hurtling into the corner at around 70mph, the rider Warren was chasing hit the wreckage pulling a hay bale into the tracks of Steele.

Swerving to avoid the bale, Warren clipped one of the fallen riders throwing him into the air. His 570 Husky slammed down onto the leg of Warren causing the horrendous injury. Trying to stagger to his feet, it wasn’t until he tried to stand up did the pain set in. Collapsing in agony to the floor Warren had to be taken to hospital.

Dosed up with pain killers and morphine through the night, Warren was operated on yesterday (Monday 4 August) morning. In surgery for four hours, having his leg plated and ankle pinned, Warren will remain in France for at least the next four days before they fly him home.

Speaking with Warren in a dosed up state, I managed to gather a bit of information. “The wreckage was like a war zone. There were bikes and riders all over the place and I had no option but to go down. I hit the deck pretty heavily and felt a sharp pain in my lower leg but thought it was just initial pain. I tried to stand and the pain was intense. I knew then that something was seriously wrong.

“They rushed me straight to hospital and had to wait overnight until the swelling had gone down a little before they could operate. I’m really gutted about this as it’s going to have a big effect of my British Championship titles. I have to wait until I get back to Britain to find out how long it will be before I am fit again.”

I’m sure you will join me in wishing Warren a speedy recovery.