Press Release

DESALLE UNDERGOES 2ND SHOULDER OP


Team Suzuki Press Office - September 29.

Rockstar
Energy Suzuki World MX1's Clement Desalle is currently in his second
phase of rehab after an operation last week to repair his damaged right
shoulder that was dislocated in a crash mid-season. The Belgian was
forced to miss the final three Grands Prix of the FIM Motocross World
Championship after fracturing his left shoulder due to a crash in a
national series event at Mol in August. Desalle, who claimed four
victories, eight podiums and led the MX1 category up to round seven of
15 on the works RM-Z450, had the left limb plated and then waited before
a final surgery on the right shoulder. Here he talks about the season,
his recovery and plans for the future.

Clement, what is the status with the injuries and recovery?

"After
the crash at Mol I had the operation on my left arm because it was
fractured and needed surgery right away. Everything went well and I had a
plate inserted and was able to start some physio soon afterwards. I
then had to wait for the operation on the right shoulder. It was an
arthroscopic procedure because the shoulder had been separated and was
coming out easily. When the doctor looked inside he told me there was
more damage than he thought with the ligament and tendon but he managed
to clean it all up and now I have to wait three-to-four weeks before I
can do anything. I have to be careful with the right shoulder but I can
do things with the left now, no problem."

What about a return to riding? What is the programme now?

"Well
I am going on holiday for a week at the end of October and I doubt I
will be riding before the end of November. I will see how my body feels
because the shoulder injuries should mean a period of two-to-three
months away from the bike. Obviously I want to make a full recovery and
get into good shape before I get on the Suzuki but I am missing it
already!"

What did you get up to during the forced hiatus? It must have been tough to deal with...

"The
first few weeks were terrible. I didn't know what to do. After a while I
tried to do some different stuff to forget about the injury and what
had happened. I bought an old jeep which I have been restoring and that
has been quite good fun."

What is your perspective now on 2011? It started so well and finished so badly...

"It
is like you say. The season started well but I knew it would be a long
year and in the end it would finish in such a disappointing way. The bad
luck started at Tongeren and it was my mistake; I had to accept that.
The shoulder was painful and weak but I started to come back to form and
finally felt good again on the bike at Loket in the Czech Republic
where I won the GP but then the accident at Mol happened. I went there
with good intent. I was prepared. I wasn't going to take risks but I was
still focussed. The crash was not my fault and I have the opinion, like
Sylvain [Geboers, Team Owner], that at these national events some
riders could be a bit more careful or show some more respect on the
track. We do a sport that is dangerous enough without having to worry
about what the other guy is going to do."

What is your feeling now about the Belgian Championship or non-Grand Prix events?

"I
will not do it. I think it is easy to see that if you are pushing for
the top five or three in the World that you have to have your priorities
in the right place and for me now the World Championship is
everything."

What about your race-bike in 2011? Was everything going well? Will you need any alterations for 2012?

"I
was really happy with the bike and I don't think we have a big job
ahead this winter. We will make some tests to try a few small things and
look for any minor improvements but there will be no big shift. The
bike was really good; I just need to concentrate on myself now!"

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