Ales Dryml's horrific smash last week has brought memories flooding back of 2003 when the Oxford Cheetahs star's brother, Lukas, was badly injured in action.

Czech star Ales was severely injured after crashing during last Wednesday's meeting against Wolverhampton at the Stadium.

He was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital's intensive care unit before being transferred to the Radcliffe Infirmary on Saturday where yesterday his condition was described as "critical, but stable."

Lukas was badly injured during the Slovenian Grand Prix when he was sucked into the air fence after coming off on the straight.

The highly-promising star had already twice finished on the podium and the previous year, his first on the big stage, took the GP series by storm. He was tipped as a future world champion.

Sadly Ales was just beginning to stamp his mark on the sport when tragedy struck.

Brought back to Oxford and beating some of the best riders in the world, he had made it through to the Grand Prix play-offs where only the top three riders join next year's GP series.

It seems a long time since the fresh-faced Drymls brothers helped Cheetahs win the Elite League championship in 2001.

They also won the title with Poole before moving on to Peterborough.

Lukas had a brief spell here last year, and was widely rumoured to be joining up with Ales at Cowley again.

Oxford promoter, Aaron Lanney said the crash illustrated the dangers that riders face every time they race.

"It's is a family sport and long may it continue to be," he said.

"Riders risk their lives in pursuit of the fans' pleasure and perhaps we should all think about this the next time we "cheer" when an opposition rider falls off.

"The messages of support for Ales only serve to highlight how strong the speedway community is."

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