Date: 10 September '06

Molson Kawasaki’s Gareth Swanepoel sustained a separated shoulder at the final round of the British championship in Hawkstone Park today.

Swanepoel was involved in a high-speed pileup as he tangled with another rider while motoring down the fast Hawkstone start straight in the first MX2 race. The unfortunate South African was then hit several times from behind as the rest of the pack could not avoid the carnage.

Swanepoel was immediately taken to a local hospital where the dislocation was attended to by medical staff. Swanepoel will travel back to Belgium tonight to see his orthopedic specialist for further prognosis. It is unsure whether the 21-year-old will make the final GP of the year in Ernee, France, next weekend.

“I can’t believe my luck,” sighed a devastated Swanepoel. “I was flat out in top gear when I hooked with another rider and hit the deck. There was quite a bit of dust and the sheer speed made it difficult for the rest of the pack to miss us. It took some time for the hospital to put the shoulder back in so I’ll have to wait for Dr Claes to take a look at it tomorrow to know the exact extent of the damage.”

Date: 13 September '06

Swanepoel scheduled for surgery.

Following a huge crash at the final round of the British championships in Hawkstone Park last weekend, Molson Kawasaki’s Gareth Swanepoel will undergo an operation this Friday when surgeons will repair a damaged shoulder capsule. The 21-year-old who has shown great promise in the MX2 class this year, narrowly missed out on podiums at several GP’s in 2006. Swanepoel will be out of action for at least 12 weeks before his preparations for the 2007 GP season start in December.

Swanepoel will be replaced by fellow South African, Neville Bradshaw at the upcoming Motocross of Nations event in Matterly Basin on the 23-24 September.

“I really wanted to finish this year with a podium,” said Swanepoel “The team and I have been working so hard towards that goal. I guess we will have to put it on hold until next year. I am happy that Neville is taking my place on the South African Des Nations team. Neville is a hard worker and I’m sure he’ll do us proud in the UK.”