Mud helps Dobb win pain battle

James Dobb won yesterday's 125cc Belgian Grand Prix despite riding in pain from a fractured collarbone. The KTM rider took victory in muddy conditions, despite still suffering from the injury he sustained while practising just over a week ago.

The Englishman was fourth on the opening lap of the race here, and went to the front at half distance for his sixth victory from nine races this season. The victory extended Dobb's lead in the points table to 78.

"I came here to finish on the podium so I'm delighted to win the race and extend my points lead," he said. "I couldn't go as fast as I wanted because of the injury, but the rain helped because I ride well in the mud."

BELGIAN GRAND PRIX (Namur) 125cc: 1 J Dobb (GB) KTM 42min 22.315sec; 2 S Ramon (Bel) Kawasaki 42:28.436; 3 A Puzar (It) Husqvarna 42:34.680. Selected: 30 B MacKenzie (GB) Yamaha +13 laps. Championship standings: 1 Dobb 190pts; 2 Ramon 112; 3 E Eggens (Neth) KTM 101. Selected: 10 S Sword (GB) 55.