Kagayama: I had no idea I had so many fans!

Injured British Superbike star Yukio Kagayama has admitted to being overwhelmed by the amount of support and good wishes he has received since being hurt in a practice crash at Cadwell Park last weekend.

The Japanese rider, in his first full-time season in the BSB, broke his pelvis in the accident, but felt sufficiently moved to thank his well-wishers through a statement issued by the Rizla Suzuki team.

"The first thing I must say is 'thank you' all for your kind thoughts and messages - I had no idea that I had so many fans either here in the UK or from across the world," Kagayama said, "Thank you so much for your support and the strength you give me to get better.

"My pelvis is broken in two places and I have a fixator fitted to keep it in place and help it heal quickly. That is my main injury, although there is another that I have that is strange - I have 'world champion' bollocks! They are huge and very swollen - and I am glad the doctor says they will heal naturally...

"I don't remember a great deal about the crash. I collided with Chris Heath, a slower rider who was on the circuit at the same time as me. Blue flags were being waved, but we still came together. I am glad he is not seriously injured.

"I do think that Cadwell Park needs more run-off area. If I had more run-off then maybe my injuries wouldn't be so bad. I had no time to think before I was lying on the ground in agony, wondering what had happened. Cadwell Park is a dangerous place to race motorcycles and I hope something is done to make it safer.

"I am still sore but the doctors and nurses here at Lincoln hospital are very good to me. They are nice people and are positive that I will recover, although it will take some time. They think maybe it will be three months before I will walk again. I hope I can beat that and walk earlier - that is a main target for me. I want to heal as fast as possible.

"It means that I won't be racing again this year, which is disappointing and difficult for me. I want to race for my fans and to win races, but now I must put all my energy into healing for next season.

"I have made no decision on where I will be racing in 2004, but would like to win the BSB title if possible. The decision will be made after I talk with Suzuki and recover completely from my injuries.

"Rizla Suzuki will have a stand-in rider for the final two rounds of British Superbikes. I will support whoever that will be and hope that, along with John-san, my team can win the last four races. This is a great team and I am happy to be part of it."