Danish speedway rider Tobias Vangsted Thomsen sustains severe injuries in a dramatic collision during a match between Plymouth Gladiators and Poole Pirates. The incident occurs early in the season opener at Poole Stadium on April 3.
Injuries and Immediate Treatment
Vangsted Thomsen collides with Poole rider Richard Lawson, resulting in a severely broken femur, facial fractures around the eye, three broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a minor brain hemorrhage. Surgeons insert a titanium rod from his knee to hip to stabilize the leg. He now recovers in a Dorset hospital as his family travels from Denmark.
Team Response and Financial Support
Plymouth Gladiators’ managing director Mark Phillips announces plans for a crowdfunding campaign this week. The effort aims to cover repairs for Vangsted Thomsen’s damaged motorcycle, estimated at £4,000, and support his family during recovery. As a freelance rider with a fiancée and young sons, he faces lost income.
Phillips praises Vangsted Thomsen’s resilience: “He is a really nice person, a proper Dane by nature. He wouldn’t take any pain relief and stayed on the track for an hour with paramedics working on him. He was in a lot of pain. And when they sedated him in hospital, he woke up asking what the score was.”
Phillips notes insurance coverage and a benevolent fund provide additional aid, including flights for the family. He doubts a return this season: “I don’t know if he will make this season.” The crash impacts Gladiators’ performance, forcing a guest rider; Pirates win both fixtures, including the April 4 rematch before 1,400 fans at Plymouth Coliseum.
Rider’s Career and Outlook
Vangsted Thomsen, in his first outing for Gladiators after transferring from Pirates, boasts a strong record. He wins Danish championships in 2016 and 2018, joins UK team Birmingham Brummies in 2019, and contributes to Pirates’ 2024 treble: Championship title, KO Cup, and BNS series victory.
From his hospital bed, Vangsted Thomsen updates fans on social media: “I have broken my femur and have had a titanium bar inserted from the knee up to the hip to stabilize it. In the face, around the eye, I have three minor fractures in the bones, which fortunately do not require surgery. In addition, I have broken three ribs and a punctured lung, and a small hemorrhage in the brain – nothing serious, the doctor said.”
He adds: “What’s going to happen from here, I’m not sure yet. I’m going to do my best to get back in shape and see where this takes me in the future. I want to race again because it’s what makes me happy and feel alive. I really thought I had everything under control at this time. But getting hit from behind is hard to avoid. This is a race accident and I have no grudge against Lawson – I know this could happen. All the focus now is on getting back in shape. Thank you for all the love and support.”
