Bow biker forced to cope with another Triumph Triple Challenge setback

Sam Cox suffered another setback in his debut Triumph Triple Challenge campaign last weekend – but was thankful it was his bike rather than his body which will require surgery.

Cox, who has broken a hand and a foot since May, finished 13th and 12th in respective races at Silverstone after struggling for speed on the penultimate weekend of the season and qualifying 12th.

But, after taking the chequered flag, the Bow biker discovered a major problem with his engine and was thankful he could walk away from the track unhurt – for once.

“When I got back to the paddock I discovered my engine was about to blow out,” said Cox.

“I was lucky it didn’t happen in the race going at full speed down a straight or around a corner – it could have been a lot worse than a damaged engine.

“It’s my first year in the nationals and it seems every time you make a small mistake it’s multiplied by 10.

“It’s a harsh sport. I broke my foot after making a small mistake, so I’m learning the hard way how ruthless it can be.

“In August I had an 80mph high-side, where I ended up being thrown from the bike. Luckily I just broke my hand, it could have been worse.

“At the hospital they wanted to put me in a cast. I said I had to race the next week, so asked for something I could take on and off. I still raced when I broke my foot, so a broken hand wasn’t going to stop me.

“So I’ve had a pretty rough season, it sets you back, not only in terms of your physical condition, but it also restricts the time you can spend testing between races.

“At some point you will get injured, we all know that, but some racers tend to be luckier than others.”

Cox, a former Raines School pupil, is sixth in the Premier Class championship following the weekend’s action.

He’s targeting a triumphant finish when the season concludes at Brands Hatch on October 12.

The 22-year-old then goes back to the day job where he is a PE technician at Mossbourne Academy in Hackney, but his thoughts are already on the 2013 season.

“It would be nice to finish on the podium in the Premier Class – and with no injuries!” said Cox. “Then I will be thinking about pre-season.

“They are used to me turning up at school with an injury, they don’t bat an eyelid, it’s almost expected.

“I’ve been riding bikes and racing since I was 13. It’s all I’ve ever really been enthusiastic about.

“It’s the reason I’m at work and not at uni, it’s the reason I work hard in the gym, I couldn’t imagine my life without it.”