Fabien Barel breaks foot

Fabien Barel in action (© Steve Behr)

2004/2005 world downhill champion Fabien Barel has damaged his foot while riding in Canada.

Barel stayed on in Whistler after Crankworx to ride the trails, but two hours before leaving, riding through a corner at full speed, he had to avoid two riders who had stopped in the middle of the track. In avoiding them he hit a rock and broke three metatarsal bones in his foot.

The doctors told Barel that he will need eight weeks to recover. But with the world championships in Fort William in five weeks, he will be hard pressed to have another shot at the title.

"These types of challenges are part of a career in sports," he said. "Adapting to these situations and coming out even stronger is part of the job."

© BikeRadar 2007

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