Just as Husqvarna released its latest video to showcase its 2017 FIM Enduro World Championship team comes news that French rider Matthias Bellino has sustained an injury that will prevent him from competing in the opening round in Finland in Helsinki, Finland, this weekend.
Here is the official press release from Husqvarna:
Husqvarna Motorcycles regrettably announce that Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mathias Bellino will not compete in the opening round of the 2017 FIM EnduroGP World Championship due to a shoulder injury.
The Frenchman fell on Thursday morning during an official final, pre-race shake down ride with his teammates. Landing heavily on his left shoulder Mathias was immediately taken to hospital, where it was confirmed that his injuries would not allow him to compete in the GP of Finland. He awaits further medical assessment.
Following several months of hard work and preparation, the two-time Enduro World Champion arrived in Finland determined to lead the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team’s efforts in the premier EnduroGP class.
Husqvarna Motorcycles and the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team wish Mathias all the best for a speedy recovery.
Matthias Bellino: “Of course I’m hugely disappointed. Together with the team I’ve worked really hard to prepare for this event, to be out before the start is the worst thing. It wasn’t a big crash at all, but I landed awkwardly on my shoulder on hard ground.”
Andreas Hölzl – Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Enduro Team Manager:“It’s hugely unfortunate to lose Mathias just before the season opener, but crashes and injuries are an inevitable part of top-level racing. Mathias basically had some very bad luck. The team arrived in Finland almost a week ago and since then all four of our riders have been working hard to get more familiar with the winter conditions. It’s a real disappointment. We know he will be back racing with the team as soon as he can, we wish him all the best for a full and speedy recovery.
With Bellino out for now, the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team will contest the series opener with new recruit Christophe Charlier in the EnduroGP class aboard a factory Husqvarna FE 350. Danny McCanney will be aboard a TE 250 in the Enduro 2 class. Pascal Rauchenecker will be alongside him in the same class aboard an FE 250.
The nine-round 2017 FIM Enduro World Championship begins in Finland before visiting Spain, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, Portugal, Great Britain, Argentina, ending in Germany in October.
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