Mount Maunganui’s Cody Cooper is the 2014 New Zealand MX1 champion, convincingly beating some of the best riders in Australasia during the four-round domestic series earlier this season.

However, this unfortunately has not translated into major success across the Tasman this year.

Luck abandoned the hugely-talented Cooper early in his Australian campaign and, with injuries stacking up, it may be some time now before he will be able to again take a step onto the top of the podium.

Cooper crashed out during the practice session at round one in Australia in March and suffered a fractured eye socket and broken cheek bone.

He required immediate surgery and, although he was back in action at round three a month later and he finished the day eighth overall, his campaign had obviously suffered a massive setback.

Then it just got even worse for the Honda star.

Cooper then suffered a first-turn crash at round four of the Australian series at Murray Bridge, on May 18, badly injuring his knee, and he was again forced to the sidelines, sitting out of round five action at Wanneroo, Western Australia, two weeks ago.

Cooper explains his situation:

“The MRI (scan) has revealed a ruptured ACL in the right knee. I will be undergoing surgery on June 13.

“This is my first major injury where I have had to sit out an entire season, it’s an unfortunate setback to what I expected to be a very strong 2014 season. It just goes to show things don’t always play out as you think, despite the best made plans,” he said.

“My disappointment also extends to Yarrive and the Penrite Honda Team who I know have put so much work in preparing for race day, and to not be able to reward them with the results they deserve is gutting to say the least.

“At this point it’s unknown when I will be back on the bike. I plan to keep you all updated though.

“Again I’d like to thank you to Penrite Honda Racing and all our sponsors for their ongoing support.”

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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