Australia’s three-time World Speedway Champion, Jason Crump has announced from his English base today that he has regrettably withdrawn himself from Australia’s 2010 Speedway World Cup team.

Despite being comfortable in the chase for the 2010 Speedway Grand Prix title, the current World No 1 has confirmed that he will undergo further surgery on his left arm in an attempt to regain strength and movement.

Crump, who has been a member of the Australian team since its inception in 2001 said he was bitterly disappointed to have to withdraw but conceded that at this point in time his well being must take priority.

“It was a tough call for me to make as I have been in the team every year since it started and representing my country means a lot to me,” Crump explained.

“On top of that, with Leigh retiring from international competition, the last thing I wanted to do was destabilise the team, but it was imperative that we try to get this arm right.

“The reality is that my arm should have been a little further along in its recovery process by now. My preference was to wait until the end of the season but my doctors would prefer to check and see if there is an issue sooner rather than later.

“The support from the Australian team and our team manager Craig Boyce has been humbling. I really hope they can go one better than we did last year and bring the cup home for Australia,” he stated.

Crump suffered severe damage to his bicep in a racing incident in September 2009 and despite the injury, claimed his third world title a month later.

Although having endured a number of surgeries and skin grafts in the later part of 2009 the injury still left Crump in doubt of making the 2010 season opening European Speedway Grand Prix in April.

The Australian’s never say die attitude has helped him carry the injury through this season to date scoring a win at the opening round and positioning himself in the title chase as the series enters the second half.

Crump is aiming to be back on the grid to continue his world title defence at the Scandinavian Speedway Grand Prix on Saturday 18 August.