Following a well-documented crash while leading the MX2 qualifying race at the MXGP of Portugal in late June, Mathis Valin has undergone further medical examinations.

After securing another holeshot in the qualifying race, Mathis was leading his rivals in Portugal when he landed in a hole after a jump and left his machine. In accordance with Kawasaki Racing Team protocol, he withdrew from the remainder of the event and was seen wearing a neck brace on Sunday while watching and supporting his teammates in the MXGP class.

Complying with medical advice, Mathis will not be present at FIM Motocross World Championship events until he is deemed fit to ride once more due to a wrist injury and vertebrae compression. The French rider will now rest and recover. He will have further examinations in the near future before considering, in accordance with the Kawasaki Racing Team, his gradual return to training and, ultimately, racing.

Mathis Valin: “It’s not really what you expect when leading a race, but that’s how it is. I don’t feel any pain in my body, but of course I will follow the medical advice and I want to thank the team for their unwavering support.”

Antti Pyrhonen (KRT Team Manager): “Mathis and the team are competing at the highest level and pushing as hard as the conditions allow. Occasionally something like this occurs and we accept that as part of the sport. The trackside and medical staff in Portugal did a great job and now it’s the turn of our medical professionals to guide Mathis back to 100% full fitness. It will take time, but Mathis has a super positive mindset. The main focus now is a structured path back to racing once more”.