Motocross rider clotheslined by timing line

An Australian motocross rider got a nasty surprise before a race in Brisbane on the weekend when he was clotheslined by a timing line set up across the track.

Former Australian champion Stephen Gall was taking part in the parade lap ahead of the Troy Bayliss 'Baylisstic Scramble' at Brisbane Showground when he stood on the pegs and put his hand up to wave to the crowd.

Gall hadn't been told the line had been placed across the track and it caught him around the head and yanked him off his bike.

The five-time Australian Motocross champion wasn't injured during the fall and was said to have been good humoured about the crash.

Timing at such events usually uses wireless technology but issues on the day meant that a physical line had to be erected ahead of the race.

The Baylisstic Scramble, made up of five teams of four riders invited by Troy Bayliss, was won by Nick Durmisov, Grant Charnock, Matt Davies and Paul Caslick.