BRITAIN'S last World Champion, and Ipswich Witch Mark Loram, who lifted the title in 2000, has officially announced his retirement.Loram suffered a double compound fracture of his left leg at the start of the 2007 campaign riding for the Witches against Reading and, owing to complications, hasn't ridden competitively since.

Speedway

Loram announces retirement

BRITAIN'S last World Champion, and Ipswich Witch Mark Loram, who lifted the title in 2000, has officially announced his retirement.

Loram suffered a double compound fracture of his left leg at the start of the 2007 campaign riding for the Witches against Reading and, owing to complications, hasn't ridden competitively since.

"It's a real shame the way my career ended, with the crash, but having two years out was just such a long time. If I'd been 34 or 35 I might have been able to get away with two years, but unfortunately it happened right at the wrong time,” said Loram.

"I always said to myself I didn't really want to ride past 39, and next January I'm 39. Yes, it's a massive shame, it's gutting, but, on the other hand, there's too much good I've had from it to dwell on the negative exit.”

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a316 Loram

Distinguished career: Former World Champion Mark Loram