MOTORCYCLING AUSTRALIA:

Australian Stefan Merriman has suffered the ultimate setback at the 2009 International Six Days Enduro, having been forced to retire from the event after breaking his scapula.

Merriman had moved himself into 25th Outright after the third test on day five in Portugal, before coming unstuck during test four.

After hitting a tuft of grass, Merriman was thrown over his handlebars and landed awkwardly, breaking his scapula before being taken to a local hospital.

While the news was an obvious disappointment for Merriman and the Australian contingent, the Wellard Senior Trophy Team managed to retain third position in the standings.

All five riders scores were counted, and with Kirk Hutton (54th) stepping up to the plate with a great day on the bike, the Aussies are well placed heading into the final Motocross challenge.

Toby Price continued his great run of form to be 14th Outright for the event – and with a Motocross background is still a great chance to improve on that come the end of day six.

Chris Hollis (23rd), Jarrod Bewley (26th) and Glenn Kearney (27th) were the other senior riders in action – all doing well on day five.

The Wellard Women’s Team remain in third spot overall and if Jemma Wilson (fourth – Women’s Class), Alison Parker (fifth – Women’s Class) and Jacquie Jones (10th – Women’s Class) can get through the final moto, a podium beckons.

The Wellard Junior Trophy Team remain in seventh place overall, with Geoff Braico (48th), Nick Beattie (57th) and Andrew Lloyd (147th) still within striking distance of a top-five finish.