Source: Supplied.

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing’s Mathias Bellino will not compete in the opening round of the 2017 FIM EnduroGP World Championship due to a shoulder injury.

The Frenchman fell on Thursday morning during an official final, pre-race shakedown ride with his teammates, putting him out of the opener.

Landing heavily on his left shoulder, Bellino was immediately taken to hospital, where it was confirmed that his injuries would not allow him to compete in the GP of Finland. He awaits further medical assessment.

“Of course I’m hugely disappointed,” Bellino said. “Together with the team I’ve worked really hard to prepare for this event, to be out before the start is the worst thing. It wasn’t a big crash at all, but I landed awkwardly on my shoulder on hard ground.”

Following several months of hard work and preparation, the two-time enduro world champion arrived in Finland determined to lead the Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing team’s efforts in the premier EnduroGP class.