Lewis Blackbird retires from speedway

Wolverhampton reserve Lewis Blackbird has announced his retirement from speedway at the age of 28.

The popular rider - who has endured a tough season - has retired with immediate effect, deciding to focus on other business interests away from the sport.

The latest of a series of crashes for Blackbird this season came as Wolves defeated Leicester at Monmore Green on Monday.

"This year has been difficult for me, I've had a few crashes and haven't managed to replicate the form I showed last year," said Blackbird.

"I'm getting married next week and I've just taken a step back and decided it's time to move on and become a family man I suppose.

"It's a lot of work, I admire all the riders who put so many hours into the sport, but I've got other opportunities that have arisen

outside of speedway and I just have to take them."

[comments_cta header="What do you think?" text= "Send your best regards to Lewis?" button="Log in and start commenting"]

Blackbird initially intended to finish the season but now feels the time has to come to call time on his career and offered his apologies to Wolves fans.

"I apologise to all the Wolves and Peterborough fans who have been so good to me.

"I never wanted to leave before the end of the season, but there are things in the pipeline I need to get my head down and concentrate on.

"It's not the way I wanted it to end, but I feel I've tried to look at

the bigger picture and I feel I've made the right decision."