TOP-CLASS triathlete Stuart Robinson, 41, faces a lengthy inactive spell in plaster at his Appleby home, recovering from an accident while competing in Scotland just 24 hours before hearing he had been chosen to represent England at the Home Championships later this month.

Stuart was cycling at almost full tilt when he hit a parked car in an event in Aberfeldy as he tried to avoid an errant boy cyclist who had strayed on to the course. He broke an ankle and a wrist and also injured his back and suffered cuts and bruising.

He told the Messenger: "It all happened in a flash. I ended up hitting the car and was on my back after that and it's going to be long, slow progress recovering.

"Usually when you have an accident, you can still do one of the disciplines, but that's not the case.

"I'm bored already, but I'm looking to get back into action as soon as possible."

When he was released from hospital in Perth the day afterwards he found a letter at home confirming a place for the national team at the Home Championships, which he will now be unable to take up.

Stuart was an age-group fifth in the European Championships at Lausanne and a best-placed 8th in the World in Mexico several years ago.

l One local cyclist who is celebrating is 35-year-old Carol Westmorland of Lazonby, who won the National Women's 12-hour timetrial title last week on the Fylde.

Carol, who rides for Border City Wheelers, roode 243.19 miles in her 12-hour ride to finish 15th overall among the men. The event was won by Preston's Gathin Butler with 281 miles and Carol's dad, Mike Westmorland, covered 251 miles.