Julien Lieber started the 2015 MX2 FIM Motocross World Championship with his first career podium on the Standing Construct Yamaha Yamalube YZ250F in Qatar.
A week later in Thailand and a huge crash in the first moto was the first of several incidents that would lead to a groin/hip problem and affect the rest of the Belgian’s push for a top three slot in the standings.
Lieber, who had another massive ‘off’ descending the triple at Ernee during the Motocross of Nations, is now set to have an operation on both sides of his pelvis which will prevent any 2016 testing until almost the new year.
“Every time I put my leg down it hurt so I am happy to finish the year; it has been a tough season with a lot of injuries,” the 21-year-old said after the Motocross of Nations in France and where his 12th position still helped the Belgians to reach the podium – his second in a row.
“I will have the operation on October 14 and will have to stop for two months and that was just for one side, so maybe it will be more time off. There is a part that needs to be ‘cleaned’ – almost like a broken meniscus in the knee – but now I need another check to see what is the problem with the other side! I hope I will be fully ready for Qatar.”