Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms British bull dog spirit at the moto GP Silverstone

Cal Crutchlow has to be the congratulated on what can only be described as an heroic performance at yesterdays Moto GP.

Starting from last on the grid to sixth place with approx 30 gear changes a lap. With a fractured left ankle. That's the stuff of legends.

Not sure whether it's Bulldog spirit or stupidity. But then I'm not sure about the info - how can you operate either a gear lever or brake with a broken ankle? And walk afterwards with only a slight limp?

Mind you coming from the back of the grid to finish where he did is a fair achievement whatever the state of his leg.

I am guessing here .. that your not given to handing out recognition when it's due for what in this case was an amazing human "feat". (no pun intended)

These guys are different to most mortals those in the know call them "Aliens" because of the skill required to handle these machines.

Stupidity.. the jurys out on that one

IMHO it was a fantastic performance and will give Cal a real chance of a full factory ride - Ducati?? (Factory teams like determination).
These guys are at the very top end of bike racing and yet are remarakbly approachable and lacking in the super-egos that dominate so many top end sports.
I have huge respect for them all, but as for Cal on Sunday; well that was superb.

Bud

__________
2003 - 4/4

You would not be right there, or at least I hope not. But my experience of the media and their accuracy makes me doubt the detail of the reported injury. Cal's ability to walk almost limp free with a broken ankle adds to my doubts. And finally my own experience of trying to ride my bikes after a broken fibula and broken foot adds to my doubts. Been there and got the T shirt.

But as I said, it was an achievement to start last and finish where he did whatever the state of his ankle.

I agree...just hope he's fit enough to ride Assen on Sat 30th.

I think we may just a British contender at last.

Take a look at this BBC report re Cal Crutchlow. I am with you on the distrust of the media though.

17 June 2012 Last updated at 18:23


British MotoGP: Injured Cal Crutchlow to defy doctors
By Lawrence Barretto BBC Sport at Silverstone

Britain's Cal Crutchlow says he will continue to race despite doctors advising him to take eight to 10 weeks off after he broke an ankle in a crash.

Crutchlow crashed in final practice for the British MotoGP and missed qualifying but doctors let him race.

The Tech 3 Yamaha rider raced from the back of the grid to finish sixth, 15 seconds behind winner Jorge Lorenzo.

He said: "If I raced here today, I would say I'll be racing at the next race in Assen in two weeks' time."
The test Crutchlow had to pass

"It was murder," said Crutchlow. "I had to run from one side of a room to other, four times. When you can't put weight on your foot, it was pretty difficult. Then I had to do 20 rises onto toes on both feet. Next I had to do 10 on one foot, then 10 onto heel - that was the worse part. There were a few other bits and bobs, too. It was tough but if it wasn't for the medical staff at track, I wouldn't have been racing."

The 26-year-old added: "If they pass me fit here, they've got to pass me fit at the next race unless I have an operation - and I won't be having an operation.

"The doctors said they could operate and put a pin in it but the guy who I saw on Saturday, who is an ankle specialist, said it would make it worse.

"The doctors told me I was not allowed to put any weight on my foot for eight to 10 weeks but me being a typical motorcycle rider, that's eight to 10 hours. I drive motorcycles for a living.

"The bone is quite badly broken on the the inside. I've fractured the inside of my ankle and I dislocated it.

"I've got to rest up, let the healing process do what it can and aim to come back stronger in Assen.

"I'll probably go out cycling because it means I'm not walking. It's a different part of my foot I'll be using. I can't sit around. I've got to do something."

On Saturday, Tech 3 Yamaha said that Crutchlow had sprained his ankle, but on Sunday morning the 26-year-old said he had in fact broken it.

"The doctors at the circuit said if there's any inkling of a fracture, I'm not allowed to race, so we didn't tell them," he added.
Races Crutchlow would miss if he listened to doctors

Britain (15 June)
Assen (30 June)
Germany (8 July)
Italy (15 July)

"Unfortunately, the hospital called them so I pleaded with them and they made me do a vigorous test. I passed and they asked if I want to race - and I said yes."

The decision proved inspired as he made up nine positions inside two laps and then fought his way up the field, closing down a seven-second gap to the next rider at one stage, to finish sixth and move up to fourth in the drivers' standings.

"The result gives me confidence because I was as fast as the guys in front and matching Jorge Lorenzo," he said.

"We did a great job, I finished sixth, moved up to fourth in the championship with a strong ride but, don't get me wrong, I'm annoyed I wasn't on the front row and challenging Lorenzo for the win.

"Could I have won the race? Probably not? But I would have put up a strong challenge. The podium was the target and I had the pace to do it.

"The positive thing for me is that I was running at a consistent pace when out in clear air, which is something we've struggled with since last year (when he joined the team) so that's encouraging for the future."

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Cal Crutchlow Injured Crutchlow to defy doctors
17 Jun 2012 MotoGP