by Davey Coombs
Michael Byrne Injury Update
Monday, August 20, 2012 | 11:50 AM
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PrintMichael Byrne's stunning start at Unadilla, where he holeshot and led much of the first moto, came to a sad premature conclusion when he twisted his leg badly and dropped out of the rest.
It now appears the BTOSports.com Suzuki suffered a lateral tibial plateau fracture, which takes about eight weeks to heal. According to team owner Forest Butler, Byrne is headed to Dr. Steve Augustine's clinic in Jacksonville to determine if the damage is limited to that break, and hopefully does not include any ligament damage to the ankle or knee.
The veteran Byrne led for 10 of 16 laps before injuring himself in a rutted, sweeping corner. He immediately pulled off and waited for the Asterisk Mobile Medics to attend to him.
We will have further news as soon as it becomes available from the team.
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This really bums me out, here we are with probably the only chance in his life to win a moto and this happens - sometimes this is a cruel sport
Michael is a top 15 rider that is always a good sportsman puts out 100% and is very consistant with not that many injuries. This win would not have hurt RD or anyone at all and the guy derserves it he has put in the time and effert.
Best wishes man and hope you get a win soon !!!
I was so pumped to watch him ride the way he did. Truly impressive ride! Get well, Byrner, hope you find a good ride for next year! You deserve it!
lets hope that we never have a year like this one! Waaaaay too many injuries
So bummed for the Byrner right now. It looked like he was finally riding well and having some good luck..
So sad for you bro. Hope you heal up and hop right back on it. Good luck!
This was horrible to see! I was screaming at my TV so pumped to see him lead. He was riding so good and seemed to be keeping a good distance on 2nd. I really hope he heals up and gets another chance to redeem himself. Any word on if he is resigning with Butler Bros on the KTM's for next year?
When my leg was smashed, the doc said there is always some ligament damage. So sorry, heal quick! I guess that's racing, does not make it better though.
Davidl, he finished 3rd in the series just 3 years ago, I believe. But still, yeah, I was really pumped for him to be leading - and for so long - and was so bummed when he pulled out. I was glad Tickle did so well, but I wish he'd held off Dungey.
The win was in the bag, No question in my mind. Sad.
Just looked it up - Byrne was 4th in 2009. Tedesco was 3rd!
And feul tv had no coverage of what happened
I hope it really is only 8 wks. That is not a simple break or a simple surgery. My gf did the same thing and she has not been the same ever since. She can't ride 5 laps without her leg killing her.
Good luck Byner, heal up soon mate!
Once apon a time Byrne was as fast as Reed, maybe better outdoors,
Cruel luck and bad timing have him always on the mend and not appear as fast as he really is.
I think if i were him i would have let that leg dangle the rest of the way!
That's gotta feel like the biggest sucker punch ever.
Certainly his last chance at a moto win. Poor guy.
So bummed for this guy, he was killin it. Also curious as to what happened to Bell. He was down for quite some time.
Bummer! It would have been awesome to see Byrner get a moto win. Gotta give it up for the old dogs like Byrner, KDub, Reed, Dowd, Ryno etc. These guys are all inspiration.
I fractured/shattered my tib plateau in '09 and have never been the same.For those who don't know, the tibia plateau is the top of your tibia that meets your femur that creates your knee joint. Good luck Byrner, it's been a rough year for ya