Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe’s Julien Lieber will have an operation today to fix a ripped ACL in his right knee and is expected to miss the rest of the 2013 FIM Motocross World MX2 Championship.
It is a bitter blow for the young Belgian and his factory-backed team. Lieber had caught his foot and twisted the leg during practice for the Grand Prix of Bulgaria and withdrew from the meeting after experiencing some pain and discomfort around the knee joint.
Initially there was hope that the damage was not too extensive due to the lack of inflammation but after scans at the Ortema medical facility in Germany, the unfortunate news that surgery is required was confirmed.
“Obviously it is disappointing for Julien and also for us because we saw that he had excellent potential to be a top 10 regular in the MX2 class,” said Team Manager Thomas Ramsbacher. “The important thing now is that he gets healthy and strong again and then we can think about the bike once more.”
Rockstar Energy Suzuki Europe will travel to Portugal next week with lead rider Max Anstie drawing closer to his first podium finish since signing for the team at the end of 2012. The Brit could soon be joined by another rider to replenish the riding roster of the German crew.
