AIDAN Collins took fifth place in the FIM flattrack World Cup.

Held over two meetings, Collins struggled with power at the first in France but, although down on horsepower, managed to gain fifth place in the final and was still the top Honda rider.

The second in Italy was a smaller track and he was hoping for better results to challenge for a medal.

After a great start in the heats unfortunately due to a racingn incident with a Czech Republic rider, Collins crashed which resulted in him starting the final off the back row.

In the final Collins missed the start and was last entering the first corner, but was then set to work on the opposition and managed to get into sixth position.

Despite a slow start, by the time the chequered flag dropped Collins had got into fourth place being just three bike lengths away from gaining second place, it was that close.

The Thelwall rider has one more race left this year, which is the Superprestigio in Barcelona against the world’s top motorcyclists.