KTM Racing has confirmed that Red Bull KTM factory rider Jeffrey Herlings has sustained a fractured femur during a crash at the Everts and Friends Charity Race in Genk, Belgium, on Monday, ruling him out of any plans to race in the United States next month.

It also puts in doubt his bid to defend his world MX2 crown. He was virtually certain to wrap up his third MX2 World title at the next round at Loket, Czech Republic this coming weekend. He needed to pick up just five more points than his factory team-mate Jordi Tixier in the upcoming round to secure the title.

There are just four rounds remaining in the 2014 MX2 world championships – 200 points at stake – and Herlings leads Tixier by 145 points, so it could be a very close thing at the end.

Herlings has won every GP except one so far held in the 2014 season but did not compete in Brazil because of a shoulder injury.

The Dutch teenager was competing in an 85cc race at the annual charity event, hosted by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing MX2 team manager and 10-time world champion Stefan Everts, when the accident occurred.

Herlings sustained a clean fracture of the femur and was operated on by Dr. Driessen at the Zol Hospital in Genk on Monday evening. Dr. Driessen inserted a pin to secure the fracture in his left leg and the medical staff have advised that the operation was completely successful. They expect him to be in hospital for about three days.

Pit Beirer, the head of KTM Motorsport, said Herling’s job was now to rest and recuperate. “Jeffery is young and very fit and while we are all sorry that he has had this bad luck, we’re confident that he will come back and be as strong as he has already shown us he can be. We wish him a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back on the bike when he is fit and well.”

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com

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