Blow for Gladiators fans

The Plymouth Gladiators have suffered a major blow with big winter signing Nico Covatti injured in a crash in Argentina.

Covatti is due to make his return to UK racing with the Gladiators in the Cab Direct Championship this season and was continuing his winter programme in the International Speedway Championship.

But he was involved in a frightening accident with former Sheffield rider Facundo Albin in the Final of the ninth round, as both came down heavily on the exit of the second bend.

Whilst Albin appears to have avoided serious injury, pending further scans, Covatti suffered arm and leg fractures with surgery scheduled for tomorrow (February 15).

Born in Argentina, Covatti rides under an Italian licence and qualifies for the Italian national team. He is a seven times national champion of Italy and five times national champion of Argentina.