IMBA Opener

I was in Switzerland over the weekend at round one of the IMBA European MX1 Championship, which was held at the popular ex GP track of Wohlen.

IMBA Championship / Round 1 / Wohlen, Switzerland

Leaving England Thursday evening, and travelling to switzerland, the mood was good, the bikes as always are good, we were a bit dubious about the trip because two weeks ago I broke my ring finger on my right hand and hadnt tried to ride since. So our minds were on that but none the less it was time to do our best and enjoy doing so. Arriving at the circuit 8-30pm on friday was good going, it gave us time to get set up and have a really good nights sleep ready for bike set up on saturday and racing sunday. Riding the track many times before gave me an advantage as I knew the ground, the layout etc, so tyre choice was done mid week and also gearing etc etc.

So saturday was chance to walk the track and do any final checks to the bike, goggles etc.

Sunday morning rolled round and I was feeling good, putting the bad finger to the back of my mind and focusing on the day ahead.

After first practice I knew that the finger was going to affect me more than I wanted, the vibration, landing of jumps, pretty much everything hurt. But I rode my best and put some laps together at a pace I knew I could handle.

As the gate dropped I knew I had to get out front and out of trouble and just sit at my comfortable pace, I grabbed a great holeshot and lead for two laps before the adrenaline wore off slightly and the pain kicked in, I dropped to 6th where I was reasonably comfortable and happy, two laps to go my hand gave way and I had to stamp on the rear brake causing me to stall the engine, I re started and crossed the line in 10th.

Race two, again I got a top start but I was in about 5th, quickly I dropped to 6-7th and then again sat and tried to find some smooth lines and stay pain free, getting carried away I got involved in a race trying to get back into 5th or 6th but in a rut my hand slipped off once more and again dropping me down to 11th which is where I stayed.

Race three, I got another great holeshot and lead for a lap, sitting comfortable in around 8th I was hurting pretty bad but knew it was the last race so I dug deep and held on, yea you guessed it, I landed in a hole over a jump and my hand just gave in, the bike whipped to the side and threw me skyward. Getting back on and finishing 16th in race 3 was a real kick in the nuts, already hurting and this crash didnt help.

Overall I was 11th on the day, its a few points which may win me the championship at the end of the year. Annoyingly I was only 2-3 seconds off the pace and I kno I 've got that speed if I wasnt injured. These injuries are sent to try us and I just hope I 've not damaged the finger even more.

I drove through the night on sunday too get home at 7am monday morning, so I could visit the hospital straight away. The verdict from the hospital is that where I broke the finger two weeks ago, the break has moved substancially and will need operating on, they plan to plate my finger and across the top knuckle. Recovery time for hands is pretty quick and the plate is ok to leave in my hand permanant, so I 'm thinking positive and hoping for a rapid recovery.

Apart from the dodgy digit, the weekend was great fun and a sucess on lots of other levels. The bike was great, the new DEP system worked good, my starts were back on form, coming away with a niggling injury isnt so bad when I kno that lots of positives have been gained also.

A massive thank you to mechanic steve and also to chef brom for keeping us fed and watered. Big thank you to alan for the loan of the camper which is a beauty.

Finally thank you to everyone who is reading this, for your constant support over the years, 22 years of racing under my belt and I 'm sure theres a few left in me yet.