Will Pauls Jonass reach the first GP?
The 2 MX2017 World Champion, Pauls Jonass, has no choice but to build up patiently. The fast Latvian is only back on the bike after his operation on the cruciate ligaments of the right knee that he underwent in September.
Together with Arminas Jasikonis, Pauls forms a completely new rider duo for the factory Rockstar Energy IceOne Husqvarna team. For the time being, the former youth world champion has not yet competed in a single competition this year. “In the end, everything after the operation turned out to be more complex than we had hoped. To be honest, I never thought it would take so long or that the recovery would be so difficult. But we are now on the right track and I feel much better,” Jonass said.
“After surgery on the cruciate ligaments you have to rebuild strength and stability in the knee and that was a tough process. However, during the last check-up with the doctor and physio, they were very satisfied with the evolution. In terms of strength, I am in good shape. Above all, we must continue to work on coordination and stability. The repair of the ligament also just needed time.”
Jonass initially hoped that he could start riding again in February. Fortunately, he more than achieved that goal. After all, he has been back on the motorcycle since January 26. However, his preparation time for the first Grand Prix of 2019 in Neuquen, Argentina - on March 3 - remains extremely short. At the moment it is not yet certain whether Latvia's best motocross rider of all time will travel to South America or whether he will focus on the second GP in Matterley Basin (GBR) or the third round of the championship in Valkenswaard.
“The injury itself was serious. If I were to drive too fast again and twist my knee, I would certainly suffer further damage,” Pauls explains. His knee injury was also the reason why he ultimately had to throw in the towel in the title fight with Jorge Prado and the reason for his forfeit in Imola.
“I don't want to rush anything. However, since the beginning of this year I have been going all out when it comes to my physical training. Cycling is no problem and I focused on my fitness. Now that I'm riding again, we have to build it up step by step. And then I want to be back at the start as soon as possible. I don't want to talk about expectations regarding precise planning yet. If a planned return were canceled for whatever reason, I would be too disappointed. We really look at it week by week.”
Tekst: Adam Wheeler/Tom Jacobs
Photos: Antti Pyrhonen/IG Paul Jonas
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