Vermeulen to miss Phillip Island opener
Added on Monday, February 21st, 2011 by Carole Nash Editor
Vermeulen to miss Phillip Island opener
Chris Vermeulen will miss the opening round of the World Superbike Championship despite showing promising signs of recovery following knee surgery last season.
The Kawasaki rider, who endured a torrid time with injuries in 2010, underwent a knee reconstruction last season and has taken part in Kawasaki’s pre-season testing campaign during the winter.
But whilst Kawasaki officials have been happy with the Australian’s progress since surgery, they and Vermeulen have decided not to race in this weekend’s opening round.
“We decided as a team that the best thing was not race or test here at Phillip Island. It is unfortunate because it is my home round and I have gone through such a long recovery already,” said Vermeulen.
“It would have been nice to start off the season fit and strong but we did not want to risk any further damage to my knee. Just as importantly, I am not fit enough to compete at the top level yet so it is better to not ride at the moment. My knee is improving and the recovery is going to plan, so hopefully by Donington I will be ready to race again. I have nearly five weeks from now to get ready for that round. ”
Akira Yanagawa will replace Vermeulen for the Phillip Island tests but will not replace him in the Phillip Island race, with Kawasaki focusing their efforts on Tom Sykes and Joan Lascorz.
