Luckless Hutchinson still targeting TT return
Luckless Ian Hutchinson remains determined to make the start line on the Glencrutchery Road for the Isle of Man TT races in June following his latest injury setback.
The Swan Yamaha rider underwent surgery after breaking his leg while rehearsing for a stunt display at the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show in London on Wednesday and now has an external cage fitted to aid the healing process.
It is the same leg the TT hero almost lost following his original accident in a British Supersport race at Silverstone in September 2010.
According to reports, Hutchinson fractured his tibia and fibula after appearing to twist his leg during the mini stunt show rehearsal.
The injury normally takes between 12-16 weeks to heal, although Swan Yamaha team boss Shaun Muir has estimated Hutchy's recovery period will take three months.
That rules him out of the opening rounds of the MCE British Superbike Championship and the team is looking for a replacement rider to join reigning champion Tommy Hill with Hutchinson sidelined.
The 32-year-old's participation in the first major international road race of the season, the North West 200, is also in serious doubt, but Hutchinson is clinging to the hope he will be able to compete at the TT.
Writing on his official Twitter account, Hutchinson said: "Woken up at home this morning and the reality has kicked in! Chances come and go and I just let mine go!!!
"Don't get me wrong this changes nothing for the TT, my team have 3 bikes ready to win it and I promised I would, I don't go back on that!!!"
Hutchinson, though, is facing an uphill battle in his quest to scale the top step again at the TT, where he made history in 2010 with his incredible five wins in a week romp.
He made a remarkable racing comeback at the Macau Grand Prix in November, finishing third to prove that he remained as competitive as ever, but his latest injury is a hammer blow and the brave Yorkshire star must feel like the unluckiest man on earth right now.
The NW200 and Ulster Grand Prix winner has signed a deal to compete in British Superbikes this year in addition to the international road races with Muir's team.
