LUBOS Tomicek, Belle Vue's new Czech signing, has been ruled out for the rest of the season after breaking his left collarbone and damaging ribs during Monday's home win over Peterborough.

It is the latest injury blow to hit the struggling Aces who now have three riders out for the season and another, Ulrich Ostergaard, battling to get back before it finishes.

Tomicek, who was showing an improvement in his form in only his fourth match since joining the club, suffered a heavy blow when he slid into the fence and Kevin Doolan's bike followed him in.

Tomicek told team boss Chris Morton: "I have broken my collarbone in two places and damaged a few ribs. I am sorry I haven't been a better signing and didn't help the team out. I hope to come back next year."

The loss of Tomicek has been compounded by Polish rider Tomasz Jedrzejak telling the club too late that he was prepared to come over for the rest of the season.

Jedrzejak, a Belle Vue asset, has resisted overtures from the club throughout the season because he wanted to restrict his racing to the Polish and Swedish leagues.

Morton added: "We were prepared to sign him in the hope it would prepare the way for us to have him next season.

"But the deadline for signings is August 31 and the Promoters' Association turned down our application for special dispensation to sign him."

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