Lee Johnston withdraws from TT 24

Recovery from a crash is taking longer than expected

Lee Johnston has confirmed he won't race in this years Isle of Man TT due to injuries he sustained in a crash in February.

The 35-year-old ruled himself out of competing following a recent scan which showed the recovery is taking longer than anticipated.

Johnston broke his right leg at the Almeria Circuit in Spain.

He also missed last year's event after suffering 'life-threatening injuries' in a crash at the North West 200.

In a statement the rider said: "I’m absolutely devasted to be missing the TT for a second year. The last 12 months have without doubt been the toughest of my racing career, but the support from my team, family and the fans has been incredible.

"I’ve been working with some amazing medics and physiotherapists since the crash and I’ve been doing everything possible to get the leg strong enough to race at the TT, but it’s not to be. I go to the TT because I want to win and, these days, everything has to be perfect to get on the podium and that includes fitness.

"It’s another huge blow for both me and the team but they’ve been fantastic, and I’ve now got the time to get myself back to 100%."

He'll now form part of the commentary team with Radio TT.