Simpson's problems have been diagnosed
By TMX Archives on 15th Jul 10
Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson returned to his base in Belgium to undergo a series of medical tests in an attempt to identify the source of the problem that has left the 22-year-old suffering from severe fatigue over the last month.
Despite taking a full week of rest ahead of the recent Swedish Grand Prix, which marked round ten of the 2010 FIM Motocross World Championship, the young Scot once again endured a below par and frustrating weekend.
While Simpson undergoes blood tests on a regular basis as part of his strict training regime, no-one was fully aware of the extent of the problem that had besieged the KTM teamster prior to the more thorough investigations last week. Shaun is still awaiting full test results, but has already received confirmation that his blood shows signs of major deficiency of certain elements that could relate directly to the symptoms he has been suffering recently.
In the short term, Shaun has been prescribed specific medication that should take effect over the next couple of weeks as he fights to be back in good shape for the Belgian Grand Prix at Lommel, on August 1.
This treatment may be supplemented as and when further test results are returned from the laboratory. Simpson will be closely monitored by a blood specialist over the coming days and subject to his progress, may have to undergo more intensive therapy if the deficiencies do not respond to the initial treatment.
Speaking on behalf of Shaun, his manager Jake Miller said: "This is bitterly disappointing for Shaun as he has worked so hard to come back from injury both at the end of last year and than again at the start of this season.
"Typically, Shaun has tried to keep the problem to himself and has just done his best to get on with the job in hand, but with this type of thing, unfortunately, it isn't just going to go away without specialist advice and treatment.
"Having been in Sweden it was clear to see that Shaun was suffering, as he certainly had the speed but was unable to sustain it for any period of time. If anyone knows Shaun, this is not due to a lack of fitness or training, but quite the opposite. The unfortunate thing is that Shaun was struck down by this condition at the start of a run of three GP's so his results have suffered badly as a direct result.
"Hopefully the four-week break in the GP calendar will now give him time to recover, so he can go to Lommel with a chance of being back to the kind of form we all know he can produce when he is 100 per cent.
"Lommel is a circuirt that Shaun likes, but the deep sand can also be a real killer, so it will be a proper test to see whether or not the treatment has been succesful.
"During Shaun's recent injuries KTM has been very supportive and we must thank the team for their patience during what has been another difficult year for Shaun,” Miller ended.