Sylvain Guintoli is in doubt for the Moscow event after a training accident.

Aprilia Racing Team World Superbike (WSBK) title contender Sylvain Guintoli is in doubt for this weekend’s Moscow Raceway round in Russia after dislocating his collarbone during a training accident earlier in the week.

Guintoli, who relinquished the WSBK points lead to Tom Sykes last round, will use the opening practice sessions on Friday to determine his fitness and ability to pilot the RSV4 safely without risking further injury.

The dislocation, suffered in a bicycle crash, affected the cartilage in his right shoulder, and the Italian rider is aware he will bare the brunt of severe pain if he chooses to ride and salvage points.

“Last Sunday I had a bicycle accident and dislocated my collarbone,” explained Guintoli. “After many thoughts, I took the decision to ride in Moscow.

“It is going to be a very hard challenge and a very painful weekend but my aim is to fight for the championship.”

Guintoli, who had led the WSBK ladder since the opening race at Phillip Island, dropped to second behind form Kawasaki man Sykes after retiring from the first race at Imola with a technical problem.

Sykes, who has a formidable run of results behind him, moved six points clear of the leading Aprilia rider after his fifth race win of the season in Italy.

2013 has been Guintoli’s most competitive season to date in WSBK, having scored more podiums (10) in the seven rounds thus far than his previous four seasons in the premier category.