Cal Crutchlow out of San Marino MotoGP

Cal Crutchlow is forced to withdraw from the San Marino MotoGP at Misano after doctors declared him unfit due to complications following his arm pump surgery

Ollie Barstow

12 Sep 2020

Cal Crutchlow is out of the 2020 San Marino MotoGP at Misano after doctors declared him unfit ‘due to secondary side effects’ following arm surgery.

The LCR Honda rider underwent an operation to relieve arm pump during the protracted break between events, but the surgery has instead prompted further issues when fluid stopped draining.

Despite having an open hole present in which he can see the muscle, the lack of fluid drainage is instead causing the arm to swell ‘to the size of most people’s leg’.

While Crutchlow shrugged off the issue while riding on Friday after setting the eighth and 20th best times in FP1 and FP2 respectively, doctors have now stepped in to say he cannot compete this weekend as they seek an urgent solution to his problem.

“After this morning’s medical check, LCR Honda CASTROL rider Cal Crutchlow has been declared unfit for this weekend’s Gran Prix Lenovo di San Marino e Della Riviera di Rimini due to secondary side effects following the surgery on his forearm,” read a statement from LCR Honda.

Speaking to journalists on Friday, Crutchlow admitted it was uncomfortable but that it was manageable on the bike.

“The fluid doesn’t seem to be coming out like it has been. The arm is really swollen, probably the size of most people's leg," Crutchlow said.

"Riding the bike I feel not so bad but it can't continue to be like this, because it's just getting bigger every single time I ride and the doctors are concerned about why the fluid is now not coming out.

"Over the last two weeks the fluid has been coming out of the hole. The hole is still there but now the fluid is not coming out. So not a good situation. The arm is just massive. Incredibly swollen."

Crutchlow’s exit represents another major blow for HRC, which is already competing without its number one rider in Marc Marquez.

Moreover, Crutchlow - who is currently last of all full-time riders in the overall standings - faces a fight to be fit in time for the upcoming back-to-back races, once more at Misano and then at the Circuit de Catalunya.