Cal casts off haunting memory of big crash
BRITAIN’S Cal Crutchlow celebrated second place in yesterday’s Australian MotoGP – at the track which almost ended his career 12 months ago. The LCR Honda Castrol rider crossed the line behind Marc Marquez at Phillip Island, a year and a day after shattering (below) his ankle in a huge crash at the infamous Doohan Corner.
“I wanted to prove a point to myself, let alone anybody else,” he said. “What a year it has been, to come back after the injury.
“I spent all last winter wondering if I’d ever be able to ride a bike again.
“The funny thing was, I’ve never had a crash that I’ve thought about – I normally just get back on and don’t really think about it. But this one… this one has haunted me for a year.”
Crutchlow led yesterday’s race for several laps after hitting the front on lap three.
But he was powerless to stop Maverick Vinales’ Monster Energy Yamaha and world champion Marquez finding a way past as the race wore on and he began to struggle with his rear tyre.
He looked set for third place as Vinales was passed by Marquez for the lead as they started the final lap.
But as Vinales tried to come back at his Spanish countryman he lost control and crashed out, handing Crutchlow second ahead of Australia’s Jack Miller. “I know I got lucky at the end, with Maverick crashing, but I was on the podium anyway,” he added.
“It’s great, I’m so happy after what happened here last year.
“I had my surgeon here today and I thanked him for saving my career. It’s been an incredible day, especially to think this time last year I thought it was all over.”