MotoGP: A heroic return for Cal Crutchlow

Cal Crutchlow returned after missing both Misano races, racing with a gammy ankle to take P10.

Cal Crutchlow was forced to miss the two races at Misano after an arm pump operation which did not fully go to plan left him with pus and other fluids leaking out of his arm, the fluids were damaging his riding and Crutchlow was worried the stitching was going to open up whilst riding, therefore took the decision to withdraw from both Misano races. If you want to see the inside of his arm, click here, but be warned, it is graphic.

During this time, Crutchlow went to see a plastic surgeon who gave him internal stitches to better hold the cut together which proved to be successful and he was allowed to return. However, this was going far too well for his luck, so when he returned to the circuit for his COVID-19 test, he fell over leaving the booth and damaged the ligaments in his left ankle.

It was a major uphill battle from here which Crutchlow accepted, gritting his teeth and getting on with it, the typical British attitude. He was able to qualify in P16 before improving on this in the race, taking a phenomenal P10 overall, his best result of the season so far. He is known to do well on return from injury, smashing his ankle to bits and nearly ending his career at Phillip Island 2018, just to stand on the podium on his return at Qatar 2019.

Speaking on the race, Crutchlow felt good, looking forwards to Le Mans, “I felt confident that we would have a good race, I felt quite good, it was good to finish in the top 10 and finish a race after the two races off, I lacked experience racing but hopefully, we will be stronger next time.”

“My start was not great, I believe I am the only rider on the grid not to have the start device on the bike,” taking a swipe at Honda as most of the grid now have the holeshot device, aside from Cal.

Cal is looking to improve on this result at Le Mans, but his achievements today were absolutely outstanding.

Featured image – www.motogp.com