Barel out due to injury

Downhiller Fabien Barel (Subaru Pro Mountain Bike Team) is out of competition with an injury he sustained last weekend at the MTN National Series round four in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. He will have to sit out the opening World Cup competition in the same location.

Barel crashed during the practice session last Friday morning. The track was very slippery due to recent rains. And although he crashed at a relatively low speed, he hit his knee on a stump and suffered a dislocation of his knee.

After a visit to the hospital, he was released with a splint and no broken bones, but suspected ligament damage. Barel is travelling back to his home in France where he will rest and recover and then begin preparing for the rest of the season.