Image: Simon Cudby.

Red Bull KTM has confirmed Ryan Dungey will sit out multiple rounds of the 2016 Lucal Oil Pro Motocross Championship after suffering a fractured vertebra in the second moto at Thunder Valley.

Dungey went down in the moto but was able to work his way back through the field to fourth, however further examinations have since revealed he cracked his C6 vertebra in the incident.

“It’s very difficult to share such disappointing news,” said Dungey. “It’s heart-breaking mainly because of all the hard work the team and I have put in preparing to defend the motocross title this year.

“But I’m very thankful that the injury wasn’t worse. I will use this time away from racing to recover fully, knowing this will only make me stronger and more motivated. Thank you everyone for your support and understanding.”

Red Bull KTM team manager Roger DeCoster commented: “Obviously Ryan being injured is tough on the team. At the time we didn’t know about his injury and we were so proud of the way he raced that second moto in Colorado coming from 19th place all the way to almost finish on the podium.

“But to now know that he accomplished that battling through the pain of a cracked vertebrae shows what an unbelievably tough champion rider he really is. The plan right now is to reassess his return to racing in six weeks time once he is reevaluated by his doctor.”

Defending 450 Class champion Dungey currently sits second in the standings behind Ken Roczen three rounds into the series. His lone overall to date came at the Glen Helen round following an opening moto win.