Cairoli Out - Dirt Rider Magazine

The defending MX2 world champion Antonio Cairoli twisted his knee during the South Africa GP ( last week) damage the anterior ligament of is left knee.Upon returning to Europe Tony had an MRI has identified the ligament damage and immediately made a decision together with Yamaha Red Bull De Carli team manager Claudio de Carli to go under the knife and begin the rehabilitation process of between 3-4 months, with an aim to be fully fit over the crucial winter period where he will begin preparations the MX1-GP class in 2009.The intervention perfectly led out by Belgian renowned specialist Dr Claes allow at the unfortunate Sicilian to resume physical training already among three weeks training with cycling and traced back in the saddle for the run-up winter in view of the World 2009. Certainly the 2008 season for Antonio Cairoli can be said to be over."I was frustrated and disappointed after the accident with my knee in South Africa. The championship is so tight that I knew even missing just one moto was an advantage I could not give to Tommy and Tyla," the 22 year old said. "I thought I might have some problems with the meniscus and hoped I could come back in Lommel as I did not want to surrender the title but after the scan I knew that the championship had gone for sure. Instead of trying to ride in pain or not being at 100%, I made the decision to have the surgery now and get the recovery out of the way as soon as possible."