BT back on a bike
By TMX Archives on 1st Oct 09
BEN Townley is back on a bike! Only trail riding at present, but there is light at the end of the tunnel after a long, agonising recuperation from a shoulder injury sustained at Glen Helen 18-months ago.
Townley underwent surgery at the hands of Antwerp specialist, Doctor Claes, in the spring, and his recovery has been monitored by the Belgian as well as his physiotherapist in New Zealand ever since.
"Ben has been given the all-clear to ride earlier than foreseen,” explained his manager Glen Dempsey this week. "He has been doing push-ups and mountain biking for some weeks, and both Doctor Claes and his physio have been happy with his progress. There is already more flexibility in his shoulder and he has been given permission to go trail riding.”
The 2004 MX2 world champion, who will be 25 in December, currently has no contract for racing, but is still determined to race again in America next year.
Dempsey: "Ben's target is to be ready for the first outdoor National next May. As part of his build-up he wants to do some races in New Zealand and Australia at the start of the year, and he may also come over to Europe for some pre-season internationals.”
In Europe he will surely receive a hearty welcome. ‘BT' is arguably the most popular rider in the sport all around the world for his fresh, open demeanour and overwhelming determination to succeed, and everyone in the sport must be wishing him a successful recovery and return to the pinnacle of the sport.