Rider critical after crash at North West 200 practice session

French rider Franck Petricola is in a critical condition at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital after a crash at North West 200 practice on Tuesday.

The Frenchman, competing in the event for the first time, crashed close to the start/finish area just four minutes before the session was due to end.

Petricola, 31, is in intensive care at Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital after being airlifted from the circuit.


The motorcyclist received lengthy treatment at the scene.

Petricola's crash at Primrose Corner happened in the closing minutes of the Superstock session on the opening day of official practice at the Northern Ireland motorcycling meeting.

No other bikes were involved.

In addition to making his first North West 200 appearance in 2014, Petricola has also earmarked a first Isle of Man TT outing this year.



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