AJO UNDERGOES SUCCESSFUL SURGEY

ANKLE SURGERY FOR NIKLAS AJO AFTER ASSEN CRASH

Avant Tecno Husqvarna Ajo rider Niklas Ajo of Finland has undergone successful surgery on his right ankle following a crash last Saturday at the Dutch TT Moto3, Rd. 8 of the 2014 World Championship.

The young Finn was operated on this Tuesday at the Hospital Universitario Quirón Dexeus in Barcelona, Spain, the Avant Tecno Husqvarna Ajo team reported. He had suffered a distal metafissure fracture to his fibula but without syndesmosis injury. He also had a displaced distal epiphyseal fracture of the tibial malleolus.

A massive highside saw Ajo thrown from his bike FR 250GP machine in Lap 7 of Saturday’s race, while fighting for a potential podium place. He had enjoyed a very successful weekend on the Assen circuit and started the race for the first time from the front row of the grid.

Dr. Eugenio Jimeno, heading the medical services at the Pathology Unit for feet and ankles, performed a reduction and stabilization procedure on the Finnish rider, placing a plate in his fibula. He also performed a reduction and stabilization to Ajo’s tibial malleolus with a clip.

Ajo remained in good spirits after the surgery, saying: “The crash last Saturday was very heavy – possibly the heaviest of my career. I even had time to think while I was flying through the air! Luckily I was able to undergo the operation quickly and, from today, I will begin my rehabilitation process. I will do everything possible to get back on my Husqvarna as soon as possible. I want to thank the medical team, Dr. Jimeno and Dr. Mir, and everyone who has sent their support.”

The team reported that Ajo was expected to be discharged on Tuesday night and will return home to Finland to begin his rehabilitation. They have announced that a decision will be made only next week concerning the rider’s participation in the next round, the Moto3GP of Germany at the Sachsenring on the weekend of July 13. This will be based on his recovery process.