Searle comeback set for Latvian GP
By Team TMX on 29th Mar 17
MXGP Injury Report Tommy Searle
Maxxis MX1 champion Tommy Searle is hoping to return to racing in early May.
The 27-year-old damaged the ACL in his left knee just before Christmas during
pre-season training in California and underwent immediate surgery to minimise downtime away from the bike.
Initially it was thought he would miss the first four GPs of the season along with the Maxxis ACU British Championship opener but his rehabilitation has taken longer than expected. He's now hoping to get back on his Monster Energy DRT Kawasaki by mid-April to prepare for a return to action at Kegums on May 7.
"It should be a couple more weeks and then I'll be ready to go,” said Searle. "I cannot see myself being ready for the first two rounds in Europe so I guess it will be the one after that which is Latvia.
"I've been off the bike for four months so I'll need at least three or four weeks to get back into it.”
The delay means Searle will miss the opening six rounds of the world championship as well as the first three rounds of the Maxxis series, making a successful defence of his title virtually impossible.
Last month he stressed the importance of not returning until he is as close to full fitness as possible.
"All my hopes in the world championship are gone but it's important for me to come back strong and not rush back.
"Obviously I want to be back as soon as I possibly can but I can't afford to race just because I can ride a bike – I need to spend time making sure I am as close to 100 per cent as possible when I start racing so I can fight for decent positions.”
The three-time world MX2 vice-champion has suffered a string of injuries since he moved up to the MXGP class in 2013.
