MSS Colchester Kawasaki's Stuart Easton has broken his right femur and fractured his pelvis in a massive crash on the first lap of qualifying at the Northwest 200 this morning.

It is thought the British Superbike front runner clipped the rear of team-mate Gary Mason's ZX-10R when it cut out on the run into Cromore at more than 130mph. Mason, miraculously, didn't come off and was seen getting his breath by fellow competitor James Hillier just seconds later. The Hawick rider also has a perforated bowel for which he will go under the knife tonight.

Easton was taken to hospital for a CT scan and is due to be transferred to Belfast Hospital today, said long-time supporter and Kawasaki WSB team boss Paul Bird.

"It sounds like he is lucky to be alive," said Bird, speaking to bikesportnews.com this afternoon. "Stuart was apparently conscious throughout and was even asking what tyre of painkillers he was being given. His injuries are serious but not life threatening."

We will bring you more information when we get it.

Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery - none of us like to see a rider hurt.                                                                                                                                                                             

Oh Bugger!!! Not good, & yep fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!                                                                                                                                                                             

ouch !!!                                                                                                                                                                              

get well soon xxx