Source: KTM.

Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Antonio Cairoli has opted to sit out upcoming rounds of the 2015 MXGP World Championship after battling through an elbow injury for the past month.

Cairoli sustained a fracture below the left elbow at Maggiora, Italy, and has soldiered through the pain since in a bid to claim a ninth world championship.

“It hasn’t been any fun to race with an injury and not be able to fight for victory, although I always tried my best,” Cairoli confirmed. “I very much regret that I have to stop but unfortunately injuries are part of our sport and this is something we cannot do anything about. I will do everything I can to recover as soon as possible and to be back on the race track.”

Team manager Claudio de Carli said it would be impossible to continue after doctors confirmed the injury isn’t healing.

“Antonio has an impressive courage and determination and he always wants to race,” said de Carli. “But some situations could have a negative impact on his future. For me the rider’s health and well-being is the most important and this is entirely in keeping with KTM policy.

“Despite the injury, Tony was making every effort to keep his title chances alive, but this medical check-up showed a worsening of the clinical situation that cannot be denied. He may also need a small operation on the elbow, if there is not a sufficient response from taking a break in racing.

“It is currently not possible to estimate when Tony will return to the track, but I think I can say that he will not be able to race in the next two GPs.”

KTM Motorsport boss Pit Beirer said it was a disappointment to see Cairoli bow out of the title chase following five consecutive championships together.

“What we all thought would be the most exiting motocross season ever has ended in a disaster for quite a few teams and a lot of disappointment for the sports fans,” Beirer explained. “For us it is very sad to see and know that Tony has gone through terrible pain since Maggiora and is still unable to get anything back from the outstanding effort he has put in to speed up the healing process.

“Tony has won five MX1/MXGP titles in the last five seasons for us, so we are just very proud and happy that until now we were able to enjoy five perfect seasons together. Now we face a difficult moment, which will in fact, just bring us all even closer together. Health always comes first and we fully support Tony in this decision.”