Double Superbike World Champion James Toseland has announced his retirement from competition, effective immediately.

The BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team, was injured during a private test at the Aragon circuit in March, ultimately forcing his retirement just six months later.

“2011 has been a tough year for me and this week has been one of the most difficult of my life, but advice from professionals has made it clear that my crash at Aragon has left me with a permanent disability, which means that I will never again be able to ride competently at this level,” Toseland said.

“While that’s hard to hear, I have to place the emphasis on the safety of other riders in the paddock as well as myself and I realise that it’s not fair to occupy a World Superbike seat with a team as professional as BMW Motorrad Italia when there are fit and talented riders available who are desperate for this type of opportunity.”

After a first operation it was thought that he would easily return to full fitness, but after two attempts at returning to the track it was necessary to impose a prolonged recuperation time after the Silverstone event.

After another fall for the English rider at the Nurburgring race in the bad weather conditions, James consulted with his doctor.

The damage to his wrist has severely restricted James’ range of movement, making it difficult to operate a motorcycle throttle properly and almost impossible to navigate right hand turns.

Toseland also emphasised that from a safety point of view his condition could be dangerous for other riders on the track as well as himself.

With this prognosis, and on the advice of his doctor, Toseland, with BMW Motorrad Italia SBK Team, announces his retirement with immediate effect.