Video: Shaun Simpson back for Lierop possibly?

Red Bull KTM factory rider Shaun Simpson’s rehabilitation from a season-destroying compound leg fracture is going to plan and the twenty one year-old Scot is eyeing a return to World Motocross Championship action at the penultimate round of the series in Lierop, Holland on 30th August.

Having been absent from the Grand Prix paddock since breaking his left leg during a training accident in Holland at the end of April Simpson is nevertheless feeling fit and healthy after concentrating his efforts on cardiovascular activities like swimming and cycling in recent weeks, while safeguarding his upper body strength in the gym. Hence he’s confident that his goal of racing the final two GPs – and hopefully the Motocross of Nations in October – is attainable.

Currently training hard at his base near Zolder, Belgium, Shaun has a hospital appointment next Wednesday, 22nd July to see his specialist, Doctor Ghyjselings, and hopes to be given the all clear to get back on his factory KTM within the very near future.

“I had an operation at the beginning of June to remove two screws in my leg and since then progress has been really good,” explained Shaun. “I’ve been training every day for the past six weeks so I’m feeling extremely positive. If I’m not in the gym I’m in the swimming pool or out on my road bike, on average I’m cycling four hundred kilometres a week.”

Shaun Simpson- The Last 6 Months

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“Physically I’m feeling great, really strong, and I can’t wait to get back on a motocross bike,” continued Shaun. “I’ve been watching all the GPs and I’m itching to get out there. Seeing guys like Marvin Musquin, Rui Goncalves and the new boy, 15-year-old Ken Roczen, go at it every weekend is all the motivation I need – I can’t wait to get back into the mix.”

“Recently I’ve been riding my trials bike and my leg feels good, there’s no pain at all and I’ve got almost full movement back in my ankle joint, so I expect to be told I can start riding motocross again soon. Even if the doctor recommends I wait two or three weeks, just to be safe, I’ll still have at least a month to get ready for the Dutch Grand Prix at Lierop.”

While taking an enforced break from racing Shaun had the opportunity to visit KTM’s headquarters in Mattighofen, Austria, last weekend and was impressed at the shear size of the factory and the professionalism of its employees.

“I’d been to Austria once before when I signed my contract but I didn’t get chance to look around properly so it was great to go back and get the full factory tour,” said Shaun. “It was interesting to see the production line and the R&D department, and I really enjoyed meeting the guys that work in the plant because it’s rare that you actually get the opportunity to say hello, or indeed ‘thank you’ for giving me such a great bike!”

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