JOSH Bates, one of Great Britain’s brightest young hopes, is set to undergo surgery in South Yorkshire after suffering a back injury when sledging.

Barnsley racer Bates was out having fun with pals on the slopes when he landed on a brick under the snow and was left in agony.

It’s now been confirmed he has broken a vertebrae and will miss the start of the season – but the full extent of the injury will only be established during surgery.

It must be stressed, however, that Josh has full movement in his legs and hopes are high for a swift recovery.

Damien Bates, his uncle, said: “It’s a massive blow of course, for Josh himself and the two clubs he’s signed up for, Sheffield and Leicester.

“Thankfully he has full movement and at best we are looking at six to eight weeks off the bike, but until the operation has been concluded we don’t know for sure.

“And until we know the full extent of his absence, both Sheffield and Leicester will hold back on deciding on temporary replacements.”