Mahmoud Tannir’s hopes of regaining his UAE Sportbike Championship title got off to a difficult start last month and the misery has continued ahead of the second round this weekend.

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At the opening round at the Dubai Autodrome last month, Tannir finished second in race two but crashed out of race one to leave reigning champion Abdulaziz Binladin with a clear lane to overall victory.

Ahead of round two this weekend, the 39 year old has now been hampered by injury after tearing his calf muscle in the gym.

“I wasn’t even on the bike, I was in the gym and unfortunately tore my calf muscle,” said Tannir.

“It’s not really a disaster but will take a couple of months to be 100 per cent again. We will have to see how it goes tomorrow (Thursday). It’s the left leg so I only change gear with it.”

He added: “We have a big weekend ahead, it’s a busy one and I have to compete despite the injury so that will be interesting.”

Dubai Autodrome hosts an adrenaline packed UAE national race day this weekend on Friday and Saturday, December 5 and 6.