Beirer injured

Tragically, Pit Beirer has been left with severe damage to his spinal cord after a heavy fall from a huge downhill 'tabletop' jump during yesterday's Grand Prix of Bulgaria.

It is still unknown exactly what happened, but the German appears to have got into trouble in mid air and fell from his KTM on landing. Although conscious, he sustained serious injuries to his back and lungs.

Beirer was airlifted directly off the circuit to a hospital in Sofia and then later in the night to a clinic in Germany specialising in spinal trauma.

KTM report that: "Pit is out of immediate danger but severe damage to his spinal cord means that he is unlikely to regain the use of his legs.

"Pit's condition is stable and he will remain in an induced coma with the use of respirators for the next three days to allow the lung damage to heal. Therefore there will be no change in his condition during this time and no further statements from KTM."

Beirer was renowned for his 110% never-give-up attitude on the racetrack, which contrased greatly with his laid back attitude off it. Sadly, his hard riding style appears to have cost him dear.

The German's best season was in 1999, when he finished runner-up to Fred Bolley.