Injuries not as severe as first feared for Kim

The Eastbourne Lifestyle Eagles rider is in regular contact with co-promoter and team manager Trevor Geer as he fights to be fit for the start of the season.

Geer said the club had been aware of Nilsson’s injuries for some days but had respected the rider’s request not to go public with the information.

He said: “Naturally, we did not say anything but now the news is public I can confirm that the injuries do not appear to be as serious as first thought.”

Nilsson crashed while practising in the USA and fractured a vertebra in his neck and one in his back.

Originally it was feared he would not ride again but now he has now started rehabilitation and has had laser treatment to help speed the healing process.

Geer said Nilsson was returning to Sweden early next week to see his own doctor.

“Once he has had that examination we expect to know more about when he will be fit to ride again.

“Past experience shows that he is a quick healer but we must wait for the verdict of Kim’s doctor.”

PICTURED: Kim Nilsson