Factory KTM GP MX Rider Injured
Press Release | April 30, 2009
Red Bull KTM MX2 factory rider Shaun Simpson underwent successful surgery to repair a broken leg in the early hours of Thursday morning, team officials have reported. The fracture was the result of a training accident on the Ersel practice track in the Netherlands on Wednesday.
The Scottish rider broke his left leg after he landed hard in a jumping section and the throttle on his bike got stuck. As a result of this incident Shaun went off the track, through the fence and hit a tree, resulting in serious injuries and major damage to the bike.
“I want to underline that this was extremely bad luck but no riding error by Shaun,” said Pit Beirer, Off-Road Sports Director.
Beirer confirmed that the eminent Belgian sports injuries specialist Dr. Ghyjselings had successfully operated on Shaun’s leg between midnight and around two a.m. on Thursday morning after team boss Stefan Everts had arranged transport for him from The Netherlands to the hospital in the Belgian city of Eeklo.
Dr. Ghyjselings is well known to prominent offroad riders’ injuries and he has, in the past, successfully treated Evert’s own injuries during the multi World Champion’s own active and highly successful racing career.
“Shaun’s leg has been stabilized and the fracture has been pinned,” Beirer said today. “Doctors have said that the fracture should heal well with no long term consequences. Now the most important thing is for him to have time to recuperate.”
Estimates are that Simpson will have to rest the leg for about two months before being able to resume full training on the bike.
“We want to sincerely thank Dr. Ghyjselings and his team for helping our rider in the late night hours,” Beirer said.
Shaun, who enjoyed a treat MX2 season last year as a KTM-supported rider, joined the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team in 2009 and is considered one of the most promising and talented riders in the current World Championship competition.