Image: Supplied.

Reigning New Zealand MX1 champion Maximus Purvis (Altherm JCR Yamaha) will undergo ACL surgery, ultimately ending his chances at defending his premier class crown in the 2023/24 season.

Purvis injured his knee at the Maitland round of the 2023 Penrite ProMX Championship while racing for the WBR Bulk Nutrients Yamaha team as a fill-in for injured team regular Bailey Malkiewicz.

“I’m disappointed with my knee being like it is,” said Purvis. “I wanted to have a crack at going
back-to-back in the MX1 Championship. However, an injury is what it is and I will come back strong for the 2025 season.”

Altherm JCR Yamaha team manager Josh Coppins added: “Today, we finally made the decision after seeing the surgeon to get surgery on his ACL. He is going to be out for this summer definitely and for approximately nine months total.

“He is just waiting for ACC approval then he will book the surgery date. We expect it will be next month and then we will spend next winter with him preparing for the 2024/25 nationals, when he will try to regain his MX1 championship.

“Obviously he is really disappointed he won’t get the chance to achieve his goal of defending his MX1 title. He also will not be able to compete in the upcoming Motocross of Nations.”

After representing New Zealand at the 2019 Motocross of Nations in the Netherlands, the injury will unfortunately rule Purvis out of a potential 2023 appearance at the event, which kicks off on 6 October in Ernee, France.