Crutchlow undergoes surgery
Cal Crutchlow has undergone surgery in a bid cure the arm pump problem which has hindered his MotoGP debut.
Last Updated: 08/04/11 3:09pm
Cal Crutchlow has undergone surgery in a bid to cure the arm pump problem which has hindered his debut MotoGP season.
The British rider has suffered the problem during his first two races in Qatar and Spain, which he respectively finished in 11th and eighth places.
In short, Crutchlow's right arm swells up when he grips the handlebars too tightly on his Yamaha YZR-M1.
Specifically, muscles in the Coventry rider's right arm trapped nerves and caused numbness as he over-compensated for the left shoulder, which was weakened following a previous operation.
The 2009 World Supersport champion had the operation at a clinic in Modena in Italy and will have the stitches out in 12 days.
He plans to race at the next round of the series at Estoril in Portugal on May 1.
Progress
Crutchlow said: "At the moment I can't feel two of my fingers, but the doctor said that is completely normal and that the feeling will come back very soon.
"The doctors said that in 12 days the stitches will come off and I will be able to ride in Portugal, so I'm really looking forward to riding the bike without the problem with my arm."
Crutchlow's manager at the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team, Herv Poncharal, added: "To have surgery once the season has started is always a worry, but I think Cal made the right decision as we have this long break now before the next race in Portugal.
"We are very happy with his progress so far and hopefully now he will be free from the arm problem we will only see him getting stronger."
