PR: Mathias Van Hoof misses start BK enduro
The 2017 Belgian Enduro Championships start this weekend with the first race in Mettet. Unfortunately without reigning doubles champion, Mathias Van Hoof. During a local motocross, the BETA DENICOL rider slipped off his right footpeg. What initially seemed harmless had major consequences: torn double cruciate ligament, damaged meniscus and damaged cartilage. It was thickened very hard: 6 months out!
The winter training went very well for the young BETA rider with many new adjustments to the bike and especially with a good feeling for Mathias. Everything was prepared down to the last detail and the entire team was ready to start a new enduro season in the inter class and for the European competitions.
After the cancellation of the first enduro in Belgium and also in the Netherlands, in consultation with coach Bengt Laeremans, it was decided to participate in some local motocross competitions as preparation. First in Bouwel where he played 3de was followed a week later by the VLM motocross competition in Vorselaar. “ After a poor first series, the start was mediocre in series 2. I finished 20th in the first round. Without pushing, driving over the limit or taking risks, I was able to move up and rode smoothly around the top 10.”
However, the worst happened on the 7th lap: “In a gentle bend to the right I stupidly slid off the footrest. Immediately I felt an immense pain and warm glow in my right knee. I immediately stopped, put the bike aside and tried to get off, but I just couldn't do it because of the pain.”
Doctor Peersman was contacted in the evening and Mathias was able to go for an examination on Monday morning. It was determined that the anterior cruciate ligament had completely torn, a tear in the meniscus and cartilage had broken off. A tough verdict because the rehabilitation will take 6 months. However, this is the second time that the cruciate ligament has been torn in the right knee. On Friday, March 2, the torn cruciate ligament was successfully replaced by a donor tendon, the meniscus was repaired and the cartilage removed. “Such a big damper on my season. I still can't understand it, I didn't make a mistake. I have not fallen nor put my foot down and yet the cruciate ligament is broken again. I was really looking forward to this season to finally be able to compete with the inters. However, I am happy that the operation has now been successful and they will do their utmost to recuperate as well and as quickly as possible. The first week at the physiotherapist was already hopeful.”
“I would also like to thank my girlfriend Jasna, my parents, Bengt Laeremans, Chris Hias, Karel Van De Sanden and all the rest of the team for the support they are giving me during this difficult period. I would also like to thank all my sponsors for the trust and support they have given in the run-up to this new season.”
Photos: Luc Vervoort
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