Recurring injury shatters Swanepoel hopes.
Gareth Swanepoel has seen his hopes of challenging for the 2005 MX2 British Motocross title all but end following the news that he will need an operation to correct a recurring injury.
Swanepoel sustained a dislocated shoulder at the Bercy SX last November, and was thought to be well on his way to recovery as he prepared for the 2005 MX2 world championship and British MX2 series.
Gareth Swanepoel has seen his hopes of challenging for the 2005 MX2 British Motocross title all but end following the news that he will need an operation to correct a recurring injury.
Swanepoel sustained a dislocated shoulder at the Bercy SX last November, and was thought to be well on his way to recovery as he prepared for the 2005 MX2 world championship and British MX2 series.
After the accident, the Molson Kawasaki rider had consulted two orthopaedic specialists (both in Belgium where he is based and in South Africa) - and both advised not to operate as no serious damaged could be diagnosed. But, whilst training last week, his shoulder dislocated again giving the youngster no other alternative but to have surgery.
"I can't believe my luck," explained Gareth. "I was feeling so good on the new KX250F and really looking forward to challenging for the British title! Training was going well and my fitness was back to where it should be.
"I suppose all I can do now is have the operation and focus on getting back as soon as possible," he continued. "It's a really big disappointment for the team as they have put in so much hard work over the last few months. I hope I can repay them by winning some races when all is healed."
"It's not the start we had envisaged as we all had high hopes for Gareth this year," admitted team manager Lisa Church. "It's obviously very disappointing for Gareth and the team, but surgery appears to be the only option now and we all wish him a speedy recovery.
"The rest of the Molson team will continue testing in Belgium and France with Tom Church, and whilst Gareth will remain very much involved with the team during his recovery period, we are currently looking for someone to take Gareth's place at the World rounds until he is fit to return," Church added.
Swanepoel will be returning to Europe a few weeks after his surgery to fulfil some press duties and will continue his rehabilitation training in Belgium. He hopes to be ready for the Valkenswaard GP in May.
Peter has been in the paddock for 20 years and has seen Valentino Rossi come and go. He is at the forefront of the Suzuki exit story and Marc Marquez’s injury issues.
