Kiwi World Motocross hope Ben Townley has taken time out from his 2011 campaign in a bid to regain 100 percent fitness after a string of injuries this season.

The Kawasaki Team CLS rider withdrew from the Grand Prix of Portugal after practice last weekend when it became apparent that he was not yet fit enough to compete safely, and his return isn’t certain at this point.

“This is a tough decision to stop riding at the moment, but I’ve accepted that I’m not in a position to race at a competitive level, both physically and mentally,” Townley said. “I’m so thankful to the team for understanding my situation and for supporting me in every way possible.

“Having been through the difficult times that I have been in over the last few months it is clear to me that I need to be 100 percent prepared both on the physical side and on the mental side.

“At this stage I am not, and I don’t want to put myself at risk until I can race without having any doubts.”

Townley, who was the MX2 World Champion in 2004, returned to Europe this season after a number of years in the U.S, only to have his season hampered to date by injury.