KX riders in the headlines for the wrong reasons

Thursday 27 March: We saw the dramatic pictures of Doc Bodnar relocating Adam Cianciarulo's left shoulder but where was Ryan Villopoto? He didn't do a single lap of Practice, reported to be suffering from food poisoning.

This morning, KMC USA's, Ken Essex advised that Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Adam Cianciarulo will undergo surgery today to repair his left shoulder. The surgery is expected to sideline Cianciarulo for three-to-four months.

"This setback is very disappointing,” said Cianciarulo. "We had a great start to the supercross season and I wanted to win a championship for my Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki team. As much as I would love to tough it out like I did last weekend, the people around me and I feel this is the best decision to fix my shoulder for good. I know I will come back stronger and ready to compete as soon as I can.”

The 17-year-old Cianciarulo made a spectacular Monster Energy Supercross debut, winning his first race. He prolific start ranks as one of the best of all-time as he scored three wins and five podiums in his first five supercross starts. Cianciarulo injured his shoulder on Saturday in Toronto and was forced to pull off after completing three laps of the main event.

On his Facebook page this morning Cianciarulo says: "Unfortunately my season has to come to an end a little earlier than expected, getting my shoulder fixed now so I can be 100% for the future. Tough way to end it but this year has been truly a dream come true! I will be back soon! As always thank you guys and girls for your continued support."

Ryan Villopoto courtesy of Racer X. Photo: Simon Cudby

First post race release: Current 450SX Class points leader Villopoto endured his toughest day of the season en route to a sixth-place finish. Villopoto did not log a single lap of afternoon practice after his team reported he was suffering from food poisoning. A top-10 ranking in the championship guaranteed Villopoto a provisional for the night show and he was able to transfer into the Main Event through the Semi. After starting second in the Main Event, Villopoto dropped to as far back as eighth but made a late charge to move into sixth and lose minimal ground in the championship.

Ryan Villopoto later released a statement on his website, www.RV2.com, explaining what happened to him at Toronto.

"Hey everyone. Just wanted to send out a little message to let everyone know I am all good now and back on track after a crazy weekend. I woke up sat morning with gnarly stomach pain so bad that I couldn’t even stand up. Was able to push myself into a cab to get to the stadium to see if the docs at asterisk could help me out but one look at me and they sent me in the ambulance to the hospital. After hours of enduring the pain and laying in a hospital bed trying to get some answers, the docs found nothing!! Crazy to be in that much pain and they tell you you’re fine. At that point I just knew you had to pull it together and try and make the night happen. Rolled into the stadium at 6:30 with just enough time to put my gear on and make it to opening ceremonies. Pretty sketchy knowing my first lap on the track was gonna be in a race but it is what it is. We made it work and came away with some decent points on the night so all in all it was a good night. Can’t say thanks enough to all the people who made it happen and the fans for sticking by me. Next week it’s on! Back to the real RV."

With no practice at Toronto Villopoto he finished 6th and lost just 5 points to Dungey in the 450SX Class standings, currently holding a 25-point lead with five races remaining.