Injury list grows as opening MXGP approaches

Ken De Dycker fractured his left femur while practising on Friday last week and MX24 Honda was left without a rider when Matiss Karro injured his knee in France at the weekend. 

Julien Lieber is also likely to miss the first half of the season for Wilvo Standing Construct Yamaha as he continues to feel pain in both hip joints after operations during the winter.

"Unfortunately injuries are a part of racing but it's such a pity to know that I will not be racing for a while now,” said Keeno following an operation on Saturday. 

"I took quite a big hit and broke my thigh and had a big gash on my elbow. Luckily the surgery went well as they placed a pin in my thigh bone so now I feel brand new again.

"Over the winter everyone put in a lot of effort and I felt we were right on target. A big thanks to my trainer Joel Roelants, who also helped me with the practical stuff to organise my surgery, all our sponsors, fans and friends who send me wishing well messages. I'm sure we'll be back strong. 

"I can't wait to show everyone what we've been working for.”

No decision has yet been made on a replacement.

Lieber meanwhile has had to give up the race to be ready in time for Qatar and Thailand.

"Last year at the Thai Grand Prix, unlike everyone thought, I wasn't that lucky to get away from the crash without any injury. In fact my left hip was injured which has bothered me throughout the whole season, both physically and mentally. 

"During the season I had several medical tests that revealed that I needed surgery. I decided to finish the season and to get surgery after. The dates were fixed.

"Unfortunately, my right hip got injured at the last grand prix in the US. At first I really felt unfortunate but my doctor told me it usually happens – if one hip is injured the other side will follow.

"After the season I finally got surgery on the left hip and one month later the right side. The first few weeks the rehabilitation went really well. A few weeks later I didn't feel any improvement and the pain persisted.

"At this time I still feel the pain but I was ready to start riding again which wouldn't have solved the problem. 

"On the contrary, last year I made the mistake to ride injured and I think it wouldn't be the smartest move to do it again. 

"I've learnt from my past mistakes and this is the reason why I'm willing to wait for as long as I need to. I am going to let my hips heal which will take more time than I expected as the cartilage of my left hip is damaged.

"I have an appointment with a french hip specialist next week who I hope will be able to help me and to give me advice.

"The main goal is to be back on top of my health and to prepare myself for next year's season, which will be my last in MX2, when I am willing to prove what I am capable of as I did last year at the beginning of the season.”

Yamaha Europe has stepped in to rearrange their forces, promoting promising young Swede Alvin Ostlund – who had intended to contest EMX250 – from DP19 to cover full-time for Lieber.

"This is a big change for me and I'm going to a lot of races against the best guys this year so it's important to thank David Philippaerts for the intense and fruitful training,” he said.

With Clement Desalle also out of action Belgium is now left with only two GP riders in each class – Jeremy Van Horebeek and Kevin Strijbos in MXGP and Brent Van Doninck, only just back on a bike after suffering with inflamed tendons, and Damon Graulus in MX2.