Factory BMW rider Ruben Xaus reckons that rock hard ridges of gravel by the side of the track were responsible for his broken femur when he crashed out World Superbike race one at Brno last weekend.

The Catalan rider highsided off his S1000RR, smashing it into small parts, on the opening lap and says that because the gravel hadn't been raked through after it had rained, the ridges were as hard as concrete.

Speaking after having his femur screwed together in three places, Xaus said: "I think the reason I hurt myself was because the gravel had not been raked over and the recent rain had made some of the ridges as hard as concrete. Hitting one of those was what did the damage, otherwise I would’ve just walked away from the crash without a problem.

"I arrived at the hospital and the doctors were already waiting for me. The operation went very well and I had three screws put into my femur and twenty-four hours later they told me I could leave! I want to thank Miquel Llobet and Miguel Sales for doing a great job and all the medical team for looking after me so well.

"At the moment I am on crutches, because I am not allowed to put any weight on my right leg, but I can sit down normally and get about OK. I can start swimming almost straightway and physiotherapy very soon. I am in no pain and I am really looking forward to getting fit and back on my bike again.

"It’s good that we have a bit of a break before the next race, but I’m already looking forward to being back at the track. I want to say thank you to the whole team for all their good wishes and tell them to have a good holiday and then get my bikes ready for my return."