Clement Desalle underwent a successful operation on his left surgery yesterday and will now start the recovery process. Desalle won't be able to race for the rest of the 2011 MX1 season, as the Rockstar Energy Suzuki rider won't be able to start the rehabilitation process for at least another six weeks.
When his left shoulder is ready to go, Desalle will also need to have an operation on his right shoulder. Desalle decided to wait until his left arm was healed before having a second surgery on his right shoulder, which he dislocated two months prior to his accident in Belgium.
With Desalle out, Kevin Strijbos will be the main representative for the Belgian team at Matterly Basin this weekend for the 13th round of the MX1 series. Strijbos took third at the Balen-Mol meeting, where Desalle crashed, and should be capable of grabbing another podium this weekend.
"It was a pretty good meeting for me at Balen but it was too bad that Clement had his accident. It means I am the only one riding for the team this weekend so I hope to do well," said Strijbos. "Matterley is a nice track with a big layout. It doesn't feel like there are any sharp turns and you can really attack it.
Strijbos will also be stepping into Desalle's place on the 2011 Belgian Motocross of Nations team. This is the first time since 2006 that Strijbos has been selected for the team.
"It feels good," he said. "Again it is a shame for Clement that he will not be there but I am looking forward to the race."
