Motorcycle road racer Jamie Coward has opened up about his recovery following a harrowing crash at the North West 200 last month. The 34-year-old, who suffered a severe concussion and a deep leg wound, revealed that persistent brain fog was a significant concern in the weeks after the incident.

Coward, a double Supertwins winner at the 2024 Armoy road races, crashed his Kawasaki machine at Quarry Hill during the opening Supertwins race. He was rushed to Coleraine Hospital, where initial fears of a brain bleed were thankfully ruled out after specialist analysis.

"I was severely concussed, and for about four or five weeks, I didn't feel like myself," Coward told BBC Sport NI. "It wasn't until a week ago that I finally felt like I was back to normal."

The Yorkshireman also sustained a deep wound in his leg, caused by either a footpeg, handlebar, or lever puncturing his skin. Despite the physical injuries, Coward emphasized that the mental toll of the brain fog was the most challenging aspect of his recovery.

"At one point, it got quite worrying with it being such a long time with that brain fog," he admitted.

Coward, who missed the Isle of Man TT following the crash, is now back to work and eagerly anticipating his return to racing. His upcoming schedule includes a return to the Armoy road races on 25-26 July, where he was named man-of-the-meeting in 2024.

"I absolutely love the Armoy road races. It's very reminiscent of the Southern 100 races where I started my road racing career," Coward said. "If I can find that confidence I had before the crash, we should be fighting for podiums and wins again."

Coward’s determination to return to form is a testament to his resilience and passion for the sport. His story serves as a reminder of the risks faced by motorcycle racers and the mental and physical challenges they overcome in their pursuit of victory.