As the 2017 Arenacross Tour gets ready for action, news has unfolded that reigning British MX1 Champ Tommy Searle will be unable to make the start-gate at Manchester Arena this weekend, Saturday the 7th of January.

Searle was training in California in readiness for the upcoming race season and injured his knee to the extent that, following medical advice, he has reluctantly had to withdraw from the AX Tour. Talking of his disappointment, Seale “It’s been a nightmare and I’m truly gutted not to be behind the gate this weekend. 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.”

Said AX promoter Matt Bates; “Obviously it’s so disappointing that Tommy won’t be lining up this weekend in Manchester, 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.”

AX fans will still have plenty of British riders to support and shout for at the 2017 Tour opener this Saturday when former British champ Kristian Whatley takes to the ring alongside Adam Chatfield, Jack Brunell, Matt Bayliss, Alex Snow and Ashley Greedy. They’ll be out to wrestle the Pro class title back from Frenchman Thomas Ramette – the reigning back-to-back AX champion – whilst, at the same time, fighting to keep a bevy of ultra-competitive international Pro riders at bay.

Doors open at 6pm at the Manchester Arena. Tickets are still on sale via www.arenacrossuk.com, from the Box Office on 0844 338 8000 or via the Arena itself on 0844 847 8000 www.manchester-arena.com