Specialized Press Release

VILLOPOTO’S RETURN TO RACING DOCUMENTED IN VIDEO SERIES

MORGAN HILL, Calif., October, 17, 2012 — In April of this year, one week after clinching his second Supercross championship, reigning AMA Supercross and Motocross champion Ryan Villopoto suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, presumably ending his 2012 season. However, only six months post reconstructive surgery “RV2” has announced his plan to return to racing on October, 20, 2012, and defend his title at the richest payday in Supercross—the Monster Energy Cup in Las Vegas.

“I’ve been through this type of injury before and I know how hard I have to work to get back to form,” says 24-year-old Villopoto. “I realize that you can’t stay on top forever in this sport, so I’m doing what it takes to get back up to speed as soon as possible.”

Having long used cycling to build endurance for the grueling demands of professional motocross, Ryan has again turned to pedaling to help him return to the top of the podium.
“I’ve had a lot of leg injuries in my career, and cycling is a low-impact way for me to regain my range of motion and endurance,” explains Villopoto. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with Specialized during my recovery, and they’ve helped me out with everything, from getting the proper bike fit to making sure I have the best bike for how I train. We’ve also joined forces on a video series documenting my return to the track, which begins before my surgery and continues right up to when the gate drops this year in Vegas. Those videos will go live online a few days before the Monster Energy Cup.”

The three-part “Road to Recovery” video series will go live on Wednesday, October 17, 2012. All videos can be accessed via the links below.

Episode 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIESvM99D8w
Episode 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C445UWFlf2I
Episode 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Sq0y-LawCI

About Specialized: Specialized Bicycle Components was founded in 1974 by riders for riders. Based in Northern California, we focus on the rider's need for functional and technically advanced products that provide a performance benefit.