Five minutes with Pauls Jonass
Rockstar Energy IceOne Husqvarna rider Pauls Jonass is recovering after a training crash. The 23-year-old Latvian suffered three broken ribs. It is not yet clear when Pauls will be ready to drive again.
The ex-MX2 world champion is currently recovering at home in Latvia. It is now almost certain that he will have to miss the three consecutive GPs in Kegums. After all, the first of Jonass' home GPs is already coming up on August 9. 2019 was also a frustrating season for Pauls, who saw his winter preparation go up in smoke due to a major operation on his right knee. Yet the go-getter still recorded three podium finishes in his first MXGP year.
“I wouldn't say it was a stupid crash, but it went wrong on a jump and I landed next to the bike,” he explains from a physical rehabilitation center in Latvia. Pauls undergoes several sessions and treatments every day to heal faster. “It was a big impact, and I was in hospital for almost two weeks before I came here to the center to recover and get back to work as quickly as possible.”
“In the end the injury was a little more serious than we thought. I had three broken ribs, six broken spinous processes (ed. bone spurs on the vertebrae) and some damaged vertebrae that fortunately did not require surgery. I just have to do as many exercises as possible at the moment, but I do it in small steps and I can't rush it. I'm not sure when I'll be back on the bike, but I'm looking forward to it.”
Jonass' frustration does not only stem from the fact that he cannot participate in his home competition next month. This setback will also put a brake on his progress in the MXGP for the time being. “It was just at the worst time for this to happen. It was my last week in Latvia before I went back to Belgium to continue working with the team there. I felt just as good on the bike and we had already made a lot of progress,” concludes Pauls.
Tekst: Adam Wheeler, Tom Jacobs
Photos: shotbybavo, JP Acevedo
Also to read
Will Anstie return to Star Racing-Yamaha?
The rumors that Max Anstie will return to Star Racing-Yamaha-MonsterEnergy are getting stronger! The Brit has a 'Supercross Only' deal with Fire Power Honda Team but given the problems within the…MXMag went to see the Free Energy Trailer in Olmen
The automotive sector is leading the way in vehicle electrification, and now the motorcycle industry is taking a similar step. However, developing a machine intended for competition use is a completely different matter…Robert Fobbe at the start in the USA!
Robert Fobbe will be in action for the first two (2) races of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship! The 23-year-old rider will…Ian Ampoorter makes his return to Portugal
After a lot of injuries, Ian Ampoorter will appear behind the starting gate next weekend. The GasGas rider travels to Agueda in good spirits for the third race of the European Championship…
Your reactions