Coghlan fractures six vertebra in German Superbike crash

Kev Coghlan has suffered six fractured vertebra and undergone an operation to set one in place after crashing while racing as stand in at Team Yamaha MGM in the IDM German Superbike championship.

The European Superstock 1000 front runner had been riding as a replacement for the injured Max Neukirchner and Damian Cudlin in the German championship and suffered a nasty off during the second IDM superbike race at Schleizer Dreieck.

After medical examinations at the circuit the Scottish rider was diagnosed with six fractured vertebra and required an operation to set one in place.

Coghlan's timeframe of recovery is yet to be decided but the former Moto2, British and World Supersport rider is a doubt for the final two rounds of the FIM European Superstock 1000 championship.

The 27-year-old currently sits fifth in the riders' standings and claimed a rostrum in the season opener at Aragon. The championship resumes on the 18-20 September at Jerez before wrapping up two weeks later at Magny-Cours.