    |
 |
|
|
|
TOWNLEY GETS THE GO-AHEAD:
Ben Townley, New Zealand’s teenage motor-cross sensation, has been given the go-ahead by Belgian doctors to restart his 2003 GP campaign.
A serious crash whilst training for the opening rounds of the American SX series, shattered the factory KTM rider’s chances at a world title. However, Townley bounced back after his injury to gain valuable points at the GP opener in Spain. He then amazingly helped the KTM Champ team to a 1 – 4 victory in the Team’s home GP in Valkenswaard. An elated Townley then had to make a tough call which nobody had ever expected. Doctors in the USA had reset his wrist incorrectly and only after two Belgian specialists had diagnosed the problem, the decision was taken to once again go under the knife.
After a debatable decision had been made only hours after the Valkenswaard GP, the young teenager announced, “I remain positive about the forthcoming op as the way my wrist is now, I don’t feel confident to win a GP. I am still riding with some pain and it doesn’t seem to be getting any better.”
A mere week after the correctional operation, things were looking up for the factory KTM 125cc pilot as the wrist had more movement and less pain than before. A special cast was fitted to enable him to swim and train to keep up his optimum condition. condition.
An eight week lay off has marked the end to his injury and has certainly brought a smile to Townley’s face. A delighted Townley said “The doc has given me the green light. I’ll be doing physio twice a day to help get the mobility back in the wrist and of course to strengthen the muscles and tendons. I can’t wait to race and win a few GP’s.”
Townley has set his sights on the Swedish GP, where a year ago he shocked the international motocross world by clinching his first GP win.
“We’ll ride a few races before Sweden to get some race practice. I like the track and it suites my smooth riding style. At this stage, I will be hoping for a top ten finish. My goal for this year is now to finish as many times on the podium as possible – a GP win or two will do just fine though!” were his words of confidence.
This courageous and popular teenager will once again be back banging bars with the best motor-crosser’s in the world.
Look out for the #18 factory KTM 125cc rider!
