It's been 11 weeks since we've seen the 96 on track, and the last time we did he just claimed his first win in the MX1 class and took over the Red plate. Then, disaster struck, and we lost him from the series. So I catch up with Kyle to see how his recovery is going and when we see him back.
(Full version of the chat is available to listen as a Podcast)
Trent - How is everything going with you after the Foot/ ankle injury, and you had another surgery?
Kyle - Yeah so, I just got on top of my left foot (the badly injured foot) and I had another check up on my right foot, which wasn’t that bad of a break, but it just hadn’t healed the way the doctors were happy with. I also had some old bones and stuff floating around in there. the doctor wanted to take it out from the start, but I didn’t want another surgery at the time as I had just had the left foot fixed. But at the check-up it Cleary needed a screw put in it. It was and easy surgery he cut a lot of stuff out and cleaned it up in there. The next couple of days though it did hurt more than the left foot and I was like, Oh no what have I done. But a couple days later it was back to normal and feels fine and now ready to get stuck into building up the strength in the Left one.
Trent - So now that you are back weight bearing what’s the timeline look like to be back on the bike and racing. Is there a set timeline or is it more about your personal feel?
Kyle - I'm going off how I feel, tough I do tend to push myself maybe a little too hard. I’m hoping to be able to start riding again in 4 weeks or so. I do still have to go see the surgeon and see what he says because he may have more of an idea then I do (laughs). In my opinion I’m like I’m sweet I'll be able to ride soon with how it's getting better. I have that appointment on Friday before I head up to Maitland for round 5 of Pro MX so, I'll have more of an idea then.
Trent - With you continuing to go to all the races was that a team thing or was that something to. You did to keep the fire burning?
Kyle - It isn't a team deal. They asked me if I wanted to go and at first, I was like nah, but then I sat at home for a while was like you know what I want to go. Because you know it's what we do. A lot of people don’t like watching but I really enjoy being at the races even if I can’t ride and I have continued going to the track during the week to watch the boys and go with Ross (Beaton). I think that if you’re still in that environment you are still pushing to be there, I feel if you stay away from it, you forget and miss where everything/one is at. I like to go see what’s going on , who is where and what the speeds like and when you do go back you know what’s happening already.
Trent - I wanted to pick you brain about this long break in the series we are about to come out of. Do you like it or is it too much?
Kyle - I'm not a fan. I'm a big fan of the week in week out or 2 weeks in between or whatever. I think a month is too long. Its a lot of practicing (a lot of practicing) and not much racing. I would much prefer 1 race every 2 weeks sort of thing. The month is definitely long.
Trent - I've spoken to some different industry people from Team Managers to Trainers and Riders. And it's so hard for different reasons having this long of a break.
Kyle - I believe we don’t have enough racing for a break this big the guys in the USA could use a break this big as they are doing 17 Supercross and 12 Motocross races. For us here it just feels like a lot of practicing. I feel the Practicing to Racing ratio here is so off and for us our job is to race not to practice full time (laughs). I really hope that that is something that gets looked at for the series next year. I understand to the affordability for people is hard, but I would really like to see more racing added to the calendar next year.
Trent - MXON is a growing topic at the moment. If asked, would you say yes to riding for team Australia?
Kyle - Ahhh Yes. If I could race the last 2 rounds of Pro MX then I would, but I would be down the pecking order. I believe with the Lawrence brothers killing it at the moment and Jed (Beaton) and Mitch (Evans) in MXGP. So, I would imagine the team to be between those 4 but it seems every single year something happens to somebody, and someone ends up getting a last-minute call up. Either way though Team Australia this year will be very likely to get a great result.
Trent - You also went home (Western Australia) a few weeks ago and went to the Manjimup 15000 how was it?
Kyle - It was actually really cool to go there this year as every other time I’ve been there is to race. Which can obviously make it quite stressful. But this time I went there with Mum, Dad and my Sister who raced on the Saturday in juniors. Again, was cool cause if never really seen her ride or race much. We just camped all weekend, and I really didn’t watch all that much racing, just a couple of my friend's classes and the All-star races. I honestly spent most of the time by the fire, riding the 110 around and hanging out with the family. I really enjoyed the time over there as it's been since 2020 since I was last there.
Trent - Appreciate the time Kyle, Cannot wait to see you back riding and racing again soon.
Kyle - Thanks for having me.
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