Calvin Vlaanderen needs further surgery – to miss MXGP of Portugal

Calvin Vlaanderen is set to miss this weekend’s MXGP of Portugal in Agueda after suffering an infection from his injured fibula.

The South African’s right leg was considered to be in too bad of a condition to race in Agueda and the 22-year-old will soon undergo another surgery to clean up the area and make sure he is fully fit before competing again in the FIM Motocross World Championship.

After a 10th place finish in the second moto in Mantova last weekend, things were seemingly heading in a positive direction after the Team HRC rider had missed almost five weeks training on a bike.

However, it became apparent this week that an infection developed and that Vlaanderen wouldn’t be able to compete in the sixth round of MX2 series.

Round seven of the series is next weekend at St Jean D’Angely in France and it will be tough for Vlaanderen to be fit in time to line up on the gate.

Calvin Vlaanderen: “Obviously it is extremely disappointing not to be able to race in Agueda this weekend. I felt that after racing in Mantova that the bad news was behind me, but I knew that my ankle area wasn’t feeling right during the week and after getting it checked out I felt that it would be extremely tough to ride.

“Unfortunately I got an infection and it hasn’t healed enough to be able to race in Agueda so I will sit this round out but I know that the rest of my body is good to go and I hope to be able to showcase my speed at the next possible opportunity.

“Thank you to all the team and my fans who continue to support me and I look forward to being back on track as soon as possible.”

HRC General Manager – MXGP Marcus Pereira de Freitas: “It is really unfortunate that Calvin developed an infection in his right leg.

“He has had a couple of good days testing and we were excited to see how he would go at this MXGP of Portugal, at a track that he has liked riding at previously.

“Everyone in the team now hopes that he is able to heal up completely and we will give him the best possible support so that he can get back on track when he is feeling 100 per cent.”

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