Recovery signs are looking good for the man who had been the greatest challenger to Tony Cairoli’s MX1 world motocross championship dominance, German Max Nagl.

Nagl is recovering after successful surgery to a fractured collarbone and will be back riding as soon as possible.

Nagl, one of the three KTM factory riders contesting the MX1 World Championship crashed during qualifying for the French MX1 GP last Saturday.

The operation was carried out at the St. Elisabeth Hospital in Herenthals Belgium by the renowned surgeon Dr. Claes, who specialises in athletic injuries of this kind. Doctors said that the fracture, which was a clean break, was secured with a titanium plate and six screws.

Doctors are pleased with the outcome of the surgery and satisfied with Nagl’s progress. Given the high level of fitness of the rider, they are confident that the fracture will heal without complications.

KTM spokesperson Valentina Ragni said Nagl was in good spirits and expects to be back on his KTM in the shortest possible time.

Prior to the accident Max was second in the World Championship standings behind his Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team-mate Cairoli, of Italy.

The next round is set for Nagl’s home turf with the German GP at Teutchenthal in just over a week.

Cairoli has a comfortable 68-points lead over the new No.2 man, Belgian Suzuki rider Clement Desalle, after the seven rounds thus far.

New Zealand’s Josh Coppins (Aprilia), the sole Kiwi rider in the world championships this season, is back in 13th spot but he is confident he can move up at Teutchenthal.

© Photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com