Copyright 2004, Roadracing World Publishing, Inc.

John Hopkins underwent surgery Monday, January 26 to plate bones in both ankles, injured when he came up short on a set of triple jumps and crashed during practice for a Supercross Crossover Challenge race in San Diego Saturday.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Art Ting performed the surgery.

Hopkins is expected to stay at Ting’s clinic in Fremont, California until Friday, undergoing rehab and being treated with a bone growth stimulator.

Hopkins typically trains two or three days a week on motocross bikes when he is at home in California and was a successful motocross racer before he took up road racing.

Road racer Jeremy Toye also crashed in San Diego, during the actual Crossover Challenge race, hitting the face of the third jump in the same set of triples that did in Hopkins, and also broke both ankles. Former WSMC Overall Champion Toye did not undergo surgery and has casts on both ankles.



More, from a press release issued by John Hopkins’ publicist, Larry Lawrence:

Hopkins recovering from surgery

RAMONA, Calif. – Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins is recovering from surgery on both ankles injured Saturday, Jan. 24, in a practice session for the Suzuki Crossover Challenge held during the AMA THQ Supercross Series race at San Diego’s Qualcomm Stadium. Hopkins came up short on a jump and injured both ankles.

Orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Arthur Ting performed the surgery on Hopkins yesterday. It is expected that the young rider will be walking within two or three days and will be able resume his cardiovascular training on a bicycle next week.

“It was an unfortunate incident,” Hopkins said. “I practice motocross riding almost everyday. It’s a big part of my training. I thought it would be fun to participate in this exhibition race sponsored by Suzuki in my hometown area. I feel bad for my team since this could potentially keep me from a couple of tests. It’s certainly been a learning experience.”

Hopkins plans to return to testing as soon as possible. He’s hopeful to be 100% for the upcoming tests in Phillip Island on February 23.

The Californian promises to be fit and ready to race the all new Suzuki GSV-R by the time the MotoGP season opens in South Africa on April 18.