Ryan Villopoto out for Matterley GP
By Sean Lawless on 20th May 15
Ryan Villopoto will not race the British MXGP at Matterley Basin this weekend.
The multi-time American champion, who injured his coccyx at the Italian MXGP in April, returned to America for treatment where a specialist medical team also discovered a compression of the L4 vertebra in his lower spine.
The good news for Villopoto is that the injury is healing but after consulting with trainer Aldon Baker the Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing Team rider has taken the decision to remain in the USA and concentrate on a return to fitness in the shortest possible timeframe.
"Having suffered more back pain these past weeks he's not been able to train fully or even ride his KX450-SR practice bike while back in the States," said Steve Guttridge, Racing Manager for Kawasaki Motors Europe. "We are now collectively searching for the best structure to help his swift recovery in order that he can come back to MXGPs when he is fully recovered, bike fit and race-ready again."
Mitch Covington, Vice President of Sports Marketing for Monster Energy, pledged his complete support for the 26-year-old. "We want a 100 per cent fit RV2," he said. "Ryan is doing what he has to do to recover properly and we support him 100 per cent in this decision. He will be back and ready to finish strong instead of just going through the motions hurt."
