![Clement Desalle Injured in Valence? [Update]](http://rxi.iscdn.net/2016/02/118824_desalle_ph_1300_001.jpg)
Reports are coming out of France today that Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Clement Desalle may have sustained a broken arm at the Valence International.
Desalle, who signed a two-year deal this off-season with Kawasaki, won the first two MX1 motos to begin the day before suffering a big crash in the Superfinal (MX1 vs. MX2).
On Track Off Road reported the news earlier today.
News from Valence #mx is that Clement Desalle might have a broken arm. Will wait for more details but hope not...
— OTOR (@OntrackOffroad) February 14, 2016
Below is the crash where Desalle was reportedly injured.
Nothing official has been announced at this time. Stay tuned as we continue to update this developing story.
The opening round of the FIM World Motocross Championship in Qatar takes place on February 27.
[Update: Monday, February 15]
Monster Energy Kawasaki Racing has confirmed that Desalle sustained a fractured left radius yesterday in a crash at Valence International. According to the team, Desalle underwent surgery today (Monday). There is currently no timetable on his return.
“Of course I’m devastated at the moment; it’s such a shock for myself and the team,” Desalle said in a team statement. “Everything was perfect; I won both MX1 motos and we made some good adjustments to the bike as the track was wet, slippery and muddy after the showers during the week. I didn’t take any risks, but when I saw that there was an opportunity to pass [Shaun] Simpson for the lead I took another line in the corner before the finish jump to pass him. When I stood up I realised immediately that my arm was broken.”
With Desalle’s teammate Jordi Tixier also sidelined, team manager François Lemariey acknowledged that the team may not participate at the opening round in Qatar later this month.
“Everything was going perfectly until the last race. It was so nice to see Clement riding the bike perfectly on such a difficult track; we had worked all weekend with the technical staff to adjust the settings and Clement felt comfortable on the bike. Of course we wish our riders a speedy recovery; once more we have seen that motocross is a tough sport. A participation at the opening GP in Qatar is uncertain at this time."
