Knee injury curtails 2008 campaign for Cairoli
MX2-GP World Champion Antonio Cairoli has undergone surgery
on his left knee after scans yesterday in Belgium revealed
a damaged ACL. Renowned specialist Dr Claes performed the
successful procedure and the repercussions of the injury sustained
last weekend in South Africa and the subsequent recovery period
mean that the 2008 series is over for the unlucky Sicilian.
Cairoli twisted his knee trying to keep control of his YZ250F
after being touched negotiating a crowded fourth turn on the
first lap of round ten in Nelspruit last Sunday. Despite a
lot of pain, early signs appeared not to be too bad with little
inflammation around the joint; the reigning number one and
winner of four Grand Prix this season showed immense courage
to even attempt the second moto but ultimately had to pull
into the pits, unable to continue.
Upon returning to Europe Cairoli had an MRI which revealed
the ligament damage and immediately made a decision together
with Yamaha Red Bull De Carli team principal Claudio de Carli
to go under the knife and begin the rehabilitation process
of between 3-4 months, with an aim to be fully fit over the
crucial winter period where he will begin preparations for
his assault on the MX1-GP class in 2009.
“I was frustrated and disappointed after the accident
with my knee in South Africa. The championship is so tight
that I knew even missing just one moto was an advantage I
could not give to Tommy and Tyla,” the 22 year old said.
“I thought I might have some problems with the meniscus
and hoped I could come back in Lommel as I did not want to
surrender the title but after the scan I knew that the championship
had gone for sure. Instead of trying to ride in pain or not
being at 100%, I made the decision to have the surgery now
and get the recovery out of the way as soon as possible.”
Cairoli should be able to start walking with crutches very
soon and will have a check-up next week. In less than a month
he will be able to start training with a bicycle.
In addition to capturing the MX1 Italian championship Cairoli
has won the most Grand Prix this year and also tied with title
rival Tyla Rattray for most moto victories (7 each). He is
currently third in the championship, 70 points ahead of Shaun
Simpson in fourth place. Cairoli joined the Yamaha De Carli
Team in 2004, and he is the most successful motocrosser in
the MX2 class for the last five years taking 24 GP wins and
54 moto victories on his Yamaha YZ250F, not forgetting his
MX1-GP and moto triumph on the Yamaha YZ450F in Great Britain,
2007. In the past three years (2005, 2006, 2007) he claimed
two MX2 world titles, scoring 21 wins from the 46 GPs he rode
and 47 moto chequered flags from 92 appearances. He also won
two European Supercross titles (UEM SX) in 2006 and 2007.
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