The news so many motocross fans had been expecting but dreading to hear – especially those that have plans to attend Matterley Basin this weekend – can finally be confirmed today. Ryan Villopoto will not be at the British Motocross Grand Prix.
The multiple US Motocross and Supercross champion injured his tail bone at Arco in April after what has been described as a whiskey throttle moment while fighting for third position in the second moto.
Villopoto missed the MXGP of Europe and the following MXGP of Spain with RV saying at the time: “My goal is to be back racing as soon as possible, but to have a chance to fight for MXGP wins you must be 100 per cent fit.”
But the injury is more serious than first thought…when RV returned to the United States for treatment a specialist medical team also discovered a compression of the L4 vertebra in his lower spine.
After his baptism of fire at the Qatar GP where Villopoto ended his weekend with a 9-8 card for seventh overall things dramatically improved for the Supercross star with a 1-3 victory in Thailand in only his second time out in the World Championship.
And although there has been many fans knocking RV for his lack of domination his moto finishes at the following GPs weren’t too shabby, with 4-4 in Argentina and then fourth place in moto one in Trentino before his crash and DNF when battling for third in moto two.
The good news for Villopoto is that the injury is healing but after consulting with trainer Aldon Baker the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team rider has taken the decision to remain in the USA and concentrate on a return to fitness in the shortest possible timeframe.
“Having suffered more back pain these past weeks he’s not been able to train fully or even ride his KX450-SR practice bike while back in the States,” said Steve Guttridge, Racing Manager for Kawasaki Motors Europe. “We are now collectively searching for the best structure to help his swift recovery in order that he can come back to MXGPs when he is fully recovered, bike fit and race-ready again.”
Mitch Covington, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy, pledged his complete support for the 26-year-old.
“We want a 100 per cent fit RV2,” he said. “Ryan is doing what he has to do to recover properly and we support him 100 per cent in this decision. He will be back and ready to finish strong instead of just going through the motions hurt.”
GoPro: Ryan Villopoto crash at MXGP of Trentino
