TEENAGE bike star Lance Cronshaw rode through the pain barrier to maintain his challenge for the Honda Hornet Championship.

The 18-year-old from Great Harwood sustained a serious leg injury in a spectacular crash at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire.

But Cronshaw, who had already won one race in the two-day meeting, persuaded doctors at the circuit to let him carry on racing.

And his courage was rewarded with two second places to protect his lead in the one-make championship.

"It was the biggest crash he's ever had, but I'm proud of the way he battled back to race again," said his dad Philip.

"Lance was leading his second race and trying to open up a gap when he gave the bike too much throttle. It threw him off and caused pile-up, bringing out the red flags.

"When I got to him, he was lying in the middle of the track surrounded by marshals and paramedics.

"At first they thought he'd broken his leg, but when they got him back to the medical centre and cut off his leathers, it wasn't as bad as we feared.

"The doctors didn't really want Lance to race again that weekend, but eventually relented on condition that he could stand unsupported on his injured leg -- which he was able to, just."

"Lance's determination to race again showed when he got out onto the track. I think he just gritted his teeth and willed himself to finish.

"He's still in contention for the championship and the 32 points he scored after his accident could be the difference between first and second come the end of the season."