MIST Suzuki are taking an enforced break from British Superbike action this weekend after rider Matt Bond announced his retirement from competition for personal reasons.

Bond has called a halt to his career because the pressure of working five or six days a week leaves him no time to be with his family or to get to the gym for training.

"Obviously, I am disappointed to be leaving half way through the season before fully getting to grips with the bike. With all our bad luck this season it has been frustrating not to be able to show our potential, particularly with the accidents that haven't been our fault and the many crucial performance parts that have been promised but still haven't arrived," said Bond.

"Having to work five or six long days a week just to live plus having to make up any time missed for racing leaves little or no time for going to the gym or doing much else. Despite a change of jobs the problems have built up over the last year or so and eventually got to the point where something had to give.

"Unfortunately my passion for racing has suffered during this struggle to the point where I don't feel able to give my best any longer so feel it time to bow out now."

Team Manager Mike Edwards added: "We are really sad to see Matt leave as  he has grown up as part of the team over the last four and a half years. There are only a handful of riders who have raced in Europe, qualified at the front of the grid and achieved top ten finishes against factory teams.

"Not only has Matt competed at the top level of international racing he has worked hard to develop several competitive race bikes along the way and demonstrated his immense talent for all to see."

The team will regroup in time for the Brands Hatch British Superbike round with a new rider and, they, hope some new parts and an upgraded engine and electronics package.