It has just become even harder for Italian Antonio Cairoli to reclaim the MXGP motocross crown in 2016.

Eight times world motocross champion Cairoli has confirmed he has broken two ribs and will sit out the opening two rounds of the Italian championship on January 31 and February 7.

The KTM rider crashed during testing in Sardinia last week but the breaks were only discovered today.

He said: “Sorry guys, last week I had a crash in Sardinia where I was to do the preparations for the new season. Today I found out I broke two ribs. My Belgian doctor advised me to rest and don’t race the first two round of the Italian championship. Keep you updated.”

With the GP season set to start in Qatar on February 27-28, it is a major hit to the KTM man’s pre-season testing schedule.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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