PIRATES chief Matt Ford has revealed riders "offered their services" to cover for Brady Kurtz – in the event the Aussie's injury prevents him starting the season.

Kurtz damaged his hip when he collided with new Poole team-mate Jack Holder in Saturday's Australian Under-21 Solo Championship in New South Wales.

A subsequent scan revealed muscle and bone bruising but showed no bones had been broken. However, given his continued discomfort, Kurtz was yesterday hopeful of seeing a physiotherapist in order to gain a second opinion.

The 20-year-old has vowed to do "everything possible" to win his fitness battle with the first meeting of the season at Wimborne Road – the Darcy Ward Invitational – inked in for the end of March.

Ford told the Daily Echo: "We were in touch after the accident and I expect to hear from Brady over the next day or two – then we can have another look at the situation.

"We have been contacted by a couple of riders who have offered their services.

"It won't be a problem for someone to fill in should it be the case that Brady doesn't recover but I'm hopeful it won't be necessary."

Asked if bringing in a different rider would be a short-term fix, Ford added: "I would imagine so although you can never fully tell. If someone comes in and is unbeaten, it's very hard to then take that person out."

What Ford is certain of, however, is that he will not start the new campaign with any riders carrying injuries.

He added: "In 2009, we had three riders injured before the season even started – Jason Doyle, Craig Watson and Kyle Legault.

"Kyle came to the tapes but was unfit and had to quit within a fortnight and the other two never got to start.

"It was our worst campaign in my 17 years as promoter and I wouldn't allow that to happen again. The riders who start for us need to be fit."