THE SIDELINES : Motorcyclist in Critical Condition

Erik Gundersen, former world speedway champion, was in critical condition today, 24 hours after he was involved in a four-bike pile-up during the world team motorcycle cup final.

A statement released by Pinderfield General hospital in this northern English town said the Danish motorcyclist “is stable but remains critically ill in the intensive care unit.”

Gundersen, who rides for Crawley in the British speedway league, was rushed to a local hospital in Bradford with severe spinal injuries after crashing on the first lap of the first heat in Sunday’s competition at Odsal Stadium. He was later transferred to nearby Pinderfield hospital.