German motorcycle rider Ken Roczen is hungry to get back on top and be known as the best motocross racer in the world.
Roczen swept both 450cc races as he dominated the day at Unadilla, near New York, in August, round 10 of the United States motocross nationals.
It was the Honda rider’s third win of the 2019 season and his comeback from horrendous injuries was now complete.
It was perhaps the greatest comeback in all of sports history, Roczen returning to the top of his sport after two major crashes, 14 surgeries and thousands of hours of rehabilitation and training to put it all right again.
US orthopedic surgeon Randy Viola was the man who tended to Roczen after his horrifying crash at the Anaheim Supercross in January 2017 and a year later at the San Diego Supercross in February 2018, when his arm was ripped up between the swing-arm and wheel of Cooper Webb’s bike.
“As bad as it gets” was how Viola described Roczen’s injuries.
Viola said Roczen’s compartment syndrome was so severe, he was six hours shy of amputation. Looking at the x-rays, Viola’s anesthesiologist turned to him and remarked: “You’re not fixing this so he can ride. You’re fixing this so he can eat dinner”.
“Ken said to me, ‘This thing doesn’t have to be perfect. Just give me an elbow. Give me a wrist. If I can hold a handlebar, I can win.’ ”
And win he did, twice, at Unadilla in August.
But life changed again for Roczen when his trainer and brother-in-law also sustained a life altering injury.
Check this video below as he reflects on his life and what it has thrown at him …
Video courtesy Red Bull
© Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ
Find BikesportNZ.com on FACEBOOK here