Outdoor Motocross defending champion Dylan Ferrandis will unfortunately sit out for the opening round of the Lucas Oil Outdoor Motocross Championship this weekend. Ferrandis is nursing a thumb injury.
Ferrandis is expected to undergo surgery for a ligament tear in his left thumb according to a statement from the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing team.
Ferrandis released the following statement: “Unfortunately, I had a small crash Tuesday, and I hurt my left thumb. I thought it was a minor sprain, but the medical exam showed a broken ligament with the Stenner effect, which means it will never recover without surgery. I wanted to try to ride Saturday, but without surgery, in a few weeks, the ligament can die, and the damage can be irreversible. We decided with the team to go for the surgery now to have me back at my full physical capacity, but that means I will miss the beginning of the motocross season.
“Not being able to defend the championship that I won last year and put the No. 1 plate where it belongs, I am at the saddest point of my career. I’ve worked so hard and have invested everything to win this championship again, I have a broken heart for my sponsors and the people that help me; this sport is so ruthless.”
Ferrandis wo the 2021 450MX Championship. The season opener will take place Saturday at Fox Raceway in Pala, California.