Hodgson calls it a day

Former FIM World Superbike champion Neil Hodgson has called time on his motorcycle racing career.

The 36-year-old made his comeback to the British Superbike championship this season but aggravated a shoulder injury when he crashed at the opening round at Brands Hatch earlier this month.

Hodgson has visited several specialists in the weeks since but after hearing the verdict from a leading shoulder specialist on Wednesday he made the tough decision to retire.

Shell-shocked

"To be honest I'm still pretty shell-shocked from Brands Hatch," said Hodgson.

"When you start the season you know you're going to have to take a few knocks but the very first time I slide off I land straight on my shoulder.

"I knew it was bad, I have lived with it all last year and got to understand the level of weakness and recovery.

"I had more work to do but was really happy with the progress, riding the bike was the best therapy but also the biggest risk.

"I am gutted obviously. I had a plan to come back to the UK and have some fun. It will take time for me to come to terms with this but it is the right decision.

"My shoulder will get back to probably 90% over the next couple of years so I will be able to have a normal life."

Hodgson was this year hoping to reclaim the British crown he won in 2000, although his greatest feat came in 2003 when he was named Superbike World Champion.

The Brit revealed earlier this month he was close to quitting in the winter as he struggled to shrug off the shoulder injury he suffered in American last year.

Mess

"Last year I had a bad injury to my shoulder and thought about retiring," he added.

"I was really close to calling it a day. I was in no fit state to race last year as my shoulder was in such a mess and I had no strength at all in my left arm.

"Racing is hard enough when you are fully fit but when you have got a dodgy arm it is a nightmare. I didn't want to race for the sake of racing, I wanted to be competitive and I think I will be this year."