TELEVISION bosses today defended their lack of coverage of World Superbike Champion Carl Fogarty's fourth title success.

Foggy clinched the record-breaking title in Germany at the weekend and is set for a glorious homecoming at a civic reception in Blackburn.

But the event, which was covered by Sky Sports, was snubbed on BBC and ITN national news and radio bulletins.

A spokesman for BBC Sport said: "The event wasn't covered by Grandstand, but Sky have the rights anyway.

"Carl's sport has chosen to go with another broadcaster which limits our coverage. But I believe the sport is only seen by 200,000 at best people on Sky.

"However, we salute Carl's achievement and only last year we had him on a platform at the BBC Sports Review of the Year to celebrate his third championship."

A spokesman for ITN said: "Our news programmes at the weekend are very busy and we can't cover everything. There is an awful lot of news around."

Meanwhile, around 1,000 fans and VIPs are expected at the reception at King George's Hall in Blackburn on November 3.

"We expect this year's to be a sell-out," said Alf Wright, organiser of the event,.

The evening will begin at 6pm with a VIP reception including council leaders and local business people. The event will then be opened up to the general public at 7.45pm when fans will have the opportunity to ask Carl about his record breaking season.

A replica of Carl's race bike will be on display along with other manufacturers' superbikes during the evening.

"We've already had a chap from Dover ringing up to say he's coming so I'm expecting tickets will go fast," said Alf.

Tickets, priced at £4 for adults and £1 for children, will be available from King George's Hall shortly.

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