As the 2017 Arenacross Tour got ready for action this weekend, we heard from a reliable source that Tommy Searle could miss out on his debut AX season following a training accident.

When we exclusively broke the news yesterday, the reaction on our Facebook page echoed our own feelings…gutted for Tommy Gun. Sadly a press release today confirms our worst fears – Tommy will miss the AX Tour.

The reigning British MX1 champ will be unable to make the start-gate at Manchester Arena this weekend, Saturday January 7 and following medical advice he has reluctantly had to withdraw from the AX Tour.

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Searle was training in California in readiness for the upcoming race season when he injured his knee. “It’s been a nightmare and I’m truly gutted not to be behind the gate this weekend,” said a disappointed Searle. “I was really looking forward to being part of the whole AX Tour and racing in front of fans around the UK. This is a real setback to the start of 2017 for me, and I’m doing everything I can to get back on the bike.

“I’ll be at Manchester this weekend to meet fans and sign autographs and, recovery permitting, will get to as many AX rounds as I can to cheer on my Team Green mates.”

“Obviously it’s so disappointing that Tommy won’t be lining up this weekend in Manchester,” said AX promoter Matt Bates. “But as most people know, we have so many indoor specialists that whatever the line-up, the racing will always be furious. Let’s hope he’s back in time for some of the later rounds and on behalf of the entire AX team, we wish him all the best in making a quick recovery.”