North West 200: Rider airlifted to hospital after injuring ankle in crash

Large crowds have turned out to watch Tuesday's opening North West 200 practice session

Dutch rider Johan Fredriks has been airlifted to hospital in Belfast after sustaining ankle injuries on the first day of practice at the North West 200.

The incident in Superbike practice at the University Corner section of the course also involved another rider.

Practice was delayed for around 45 minutes following the incident and a further red flag then led to Supertwins practice being halted.

Light rain fell intermittently during Tuesday's practice session.

Fredriks, 33, was treated at the scene for ankle injuries by the MCUI Medical team before being airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital.

• How to follow the North West 200 on BBC Sport NI

The Dutchman, who comes from the town of Goes in the south west of the Netherlands, competed at the North West 200 for the first time last year when his best result was a 12th place in one of the Superbike races.

Canadian rider Darren James was taken to hospital in Coleraine after also crashing on the University section of the course during the Supertwins session.

The 41-year-old is a regular competitor in Irish road racing events and finished sixth in the second Supertwins race at the North West 200 in 2015.

A further practice session will take place on Thursday morning with the meeting's opening three races taking place later in the day.

Saturday's main day of action will see five races including both Superbike races.

North West 200 practice and race schedule

Tuesday 15 May - 10:15 BST to 14:30 BST - Roads closed for practices

Thursday 17 May - 09:15 BST to 15:00 BST - Roads closed for practices

Thursday 17 May - 17:00 BST to 21:00 BST - Roads closed for racing

Race 1 - Supersport Race 1 - 6 laps

Race 2 - Superstock Race 1 - 6 laps

Race 3 - Supertwin Race 1 - 4 laps

Saturday 19 May - 09:15 to 19:00 BST - Roads closed for racing

Race 1 - Supersport Race 1 - 6 laps

Race 2 - Superbike Race 1 - 7 laps

Race 3 - Supertwin Race 1 - 4 laps

Race 4 - Superstock Race 2 - 6 laps

Race 5 - NW200 Superbike Race 2 - 7 laps