MARK Loram today predicted that he will be back on a speedway bike next month.But Ipswich Witches fans should not raise their hopes that their favourite will soon be back in regular action at Foxhall Stadium.

Elvin King

MARK Loram today predicted that he will be back on a speedway bike next month.

But Ipswich Witches fans should not raise their hopes that their favourite will soon be back in regular action at Foxhall Stadium.

“The hope is still there that I will ride again,” said Loram. “But I am not sure in what capacity. It may be teaching youngsters to ride.”

It is almost two years since Loram broke his thigh in a horrific crash and the 38-year-old is not promising a return to the track.

“It is back to 70 per cent of its normal strength and I plan to sit on a bike and do some laps for fun next month,” added Loram.

“I have an appointment with the specialist in Norwich in April and they appear concerned with so much metal being close to my knee. They can see further problems.

“So an operation looks likely to remove all the metal.

“I don't think the leg will ever be perfect, but it is knitting back together again - if 18 months too late.”

Loram went to France with son Rhys to do some snowboarding earlier this month without the blessing of his medical team.

And the 2000 world speedway champion admits that he did take it a 'bit easy.'

He came home unscathed, and says that the wound is now knitting together well after a second operation last year.

Loram is waiting to hear from the authorities after reports that he is to be used by new Team Great Britain team manager Rob Lyon as an advisor.

“I think Rob is the right man for the job and I would be pleased to help in some way,” said Loram.

“But I can't comment as I haven't heard a thing about it.

“It is probably an oversight, but it is disappointing all the same. And I am unsure about coaching youngsters this year.

“I did it last year and, despite my injury problems, did a session and did as much as I could.

“But I am still waiting to hear whether they want me to carry on - and in what capacity.”

Rhys, 15, is a keen moto-cross rider and he dabbled in speedway a little last year. His father said: “He is tempted to try speedway and have a go and we will see what happens. He is at the right age.”