Last updated 19:01, Tuesday, 13 May 2008

A WORKINGTON Comets rider who was critically injured in a weekend smash is due to undergo surgery today.

Injured: Barry Burchatt

Barry Burchatt sustained serious internal injuries after putting his bike down to avoid a fallen rider

The 20-year-old only recently joined the Comets.

He has already received emergency treatment on his badly damaged ribs and remains in a critical condition at Ashford Hospital.

The 20-year-old has only recently joined the Comets’ line-up and the thoughts of his Derwent Park colleagues remain with his family.

Owner Keith Denham said: “I think Barry’s injury puts things into perspective.

“It’s shocking and even though he’s just been with us for a fortnight he had settled in really well.

“I got to know him and his father pretty well in just a short space of time and they are both smashing people.

“We are all praying for his recovery.”