MICHELSEN OUT FOR REST OF SEASON

European champion Mikkel Michelsen’s team has confirmed his 2024 season is over as he prepares to undergo surgery on injuries suffered at the OlyBet FIM Speedway GP of Latvia – Riga last Saturday night.

Michelsen crashed with Polish star Bartosz Zmarzlik in heat four at Bikernieki and was taken to hospital for checks, before being transferred to another medical facility in Poland.

Posting on his official Facebook page, Michelsen’s team verified he will not compete again this season, missing his home Speedway GP event in Vojens this Saturday and also the final round in Torun on September 28.

The post read: “On behalf of Mikkel Michelsen Racing, we would like to first of all apologise for the lack of information regarding Mikkel’s injuries. It has been a few hectic days since the accident in Riga, getting back to Poland and determining the extent of the injuries. 

“Second; we would like to send our sincere gratefulness for all the concerns and get-well messages as it means a lot in these difficult times.

“Regrettably, we must confirm that Mikkel’s racing season has come to an early conclusion. He has sustained significant injuries to his right shoulder that require immediate surgical intervention, potentially within the next 24 hours. 

“Additionally, Mikkel has suffered severe damage to his humerus and a fractured elbow, which we are hopeful will heal naturally. There is also damage to his right foot, which will be addressed after his shoulder surgery.

“Mikkel is currently receiving excellent care at Klinika Nieborowice, in the expert hands of Dr Krzysztof Onaczyszyn and Dr Henryk Noga. We extend our deepest gratitude to them and the entire medical team for their professionalism and support during this crucial time.

“More updates will come at a later time, Thank You.”

Subject to FIM confirmation, Michelsen is set to be replaced in the final two rounds by Speedway GP third substitute Kim Nilsson of Sweden.

We wish Mikkel a very speedy recovery from his injuries.