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‘‘It was just a really unfortunate incident,’’ the Team Lapierre Gravity Republic rider said, initially thinking she had broken her ankle.
‘‘I was racing down the fifth and final stage of the race and came off a high speed jump, landed, and my pedal broke.
‘‘All my weight and the landing impact went through my poor heel,’’
Morrison described it as a ‘‘painful’’ end to what had been a successful EWS season.
‘‘It is a premature start to my off-season,’’ she said.
‘‘The season only has six weeks left with the final two races in France and Italy.
‘‘My recovery time will be about three months, I think – I will know more when I go for surgery – but there is no way I can make those races in time.’’
Up until crashing out of the Canadian Open Enduro in Whistler last weekend the Kapitiraised rider, who was recently based out of Nelson, was the form Kiwi on the eight-round international circuit.
Highlighted by two sixth placings in the opening rounds in Chile and Argentina, Morrison has regularly featured in the top eight and still sits eighth on the overall leaderboard.
She said it was both frustrating and disappointing to have the season cut short, but remained relatively upbeat, saying crashing goes with the territory.
‘‘The last two races really suit me and they were the ones I was targeting for a good result.
‘‘But that is our sport, injuries do unfortunately happen and there is no point dwelling on things you can’t change.
‘‘When you look at the big picture, it is only an injury, it will only take time and before long I will be back racing and doing what I love.’’
Morrison was contracted to Lapierre for just one season but said the team support has been a ‘‘massive help’’ after living out of a van as a privateer last year.
‘‘Having the best equipment, experienced athletes to train with and a mechanic looking after my bike allows me to just focus on my training and racing,’’ Morrison said.
‘‘The competition and level has increased this year and everyone is pushing hard to do well.
‘‘So I did want better results but I think that will just take time.
‘‘I am very pleased to have some top three stage results this season and my riding ability and race head has improved.’’