Australian Todd Smith rode the three final stages of the 2017 Dakar with four broken vertebrae.

Todd crashed at high speed in rough terrain during Stage 10 but continued in the event, eventually finishing in 18th place.

That’s an awesome effort by itself, but Todd has now revealed that after the crash he rode standing up, including the whole of the two final stages, because the pain in his back was so severe.

X-rays have revealed that he had broken his T5, T6, T7 and T8 vertebrae.

Todd reported earlier today that he was being assessed by doctors but has posted to social media this afternoon.

“I have some good news, I won’t be needing surgery to repair my broken T5,6,7,8 in my back.

The doctors have said that if it has stayed stable with what I put it through it should be right in 6-12 weeks in a brace.”

Todd also took the opportunity to thank his sponsors and supporters.

“Thank you to everyone for the support during Dakar it means a lot, everyone needs to take a holiday @cairnscoconut holiday resort and go for a beer @blackbutthotel they are the main people that helped get my Dakar campaign to happen.”