PHIL Smithson's dreams of winning the World Enduro title have been shattered by an horrific accident in France.

The 31-year-old Clitheroe rider will miss the next two rounds of the championship after breaking three ribs in a high speed crash.

Amazingly, Smithson - the British Enduro champion and currently ninth overall in the World series - remounted his damaged Husaberg bike and rode on for another two hours before collapsing at a checkpoint.

"I just pushed the bike too hard. It hit a deep pothole on a cross country section and threw me off," said Phil.

"I somersaulted over the handlebars and hit the track, and the bike landed on top of me, which did most of the damage.

"I thought I was just winded at first and carried on riding, but at the next checkpoint two hours later, I just collapsed.

"The organisers took me to the local hospital near Dijon, where the doctors diagnosed the broken ribs."

Although the injury means Phil will be forced to miss two of the remaining four rounds - effectively ending his challenge for the World title - he is optimistic about his chances of retaining the British crown.

"The next event isn't until August, and by then I shall be fit and raring to go," said Phil.

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