WorldSBK stars on the mend following successful operations
Hospitals across the globe have seen a sharp increase in World Superbike stars this past month after a number of riders underwent surgery, either to rectify pre-existing injuries or to treat fresh ones.
2016 World Champion Jonathan Rea had successful surgery on his right arm to fix compartment syndrome, or arm-pump. The Northern Irishman has suffered with the condition for much of his career, with the problem’s severity differing from circuit to circuit. Rea also admitted that it had detracted his focus whilst racing.
“I’m very happy with the surgery as I have been struggling with this condition for a long time,” he said. I found myself not only suffering physically, but mentally as it took a lot of focus away when I was racing. Some circuits were on the calendar present bigger problems than others, so I’m excited to be able to try and get on top of this problem.”
Rea’s fellow Briton Chaz Davies also underwent an arm-pump operation on his right arm and had a plate removed from his left wrist in the process, whilst Honda’s Nicky Hayden was forced to miss the Jerez pre-season test last week after twisting his knee in a flat-track accident in Barcelona. He flew back home to the United States for an operation in San Diego and will begin his recovery process soon.
Twitter: End of season service https://t.co/Nt2CKy0272 (@chazdavies)
Davies’ new Aruba.it Ducati teammate Marco Melandri broke his leg during a charity football match in Italy. The former Grand Prix World Champion was walking along the pitch when he felt a bone in his right leg crack. The Italian has begun rehabilitation and says he should be able to walk without crutches in just over a week’s time.
“Looking on the bright side, perhaps I was luck to encounter this issue at this time of the year, when both the championship and tests are over,” Melandri said. “It’s better to pay my dues with bad luck now, when we have all the time to recover. I was simply walking on the field when I felt a crack, so it’s safe to say it would have only been a matter of time before this injury happened.”
Testing resumes in Jerez towards the end of January next year, allowing for plenty of recovery time over the winter.