Four weeks after the crash: Tarran Mackenzie’s ankle is a cause for concern

A concussion, as well as fractures to his left collarbone, shoulder blade and – just above the ankle – his tibia and fibula: that was the devastating diagnosis for Tarran Mackenzie after the Englishman crashed during the second free practice session at Donington Park on 10 July. This meant his home race was already over before it had even really begun.

Whilst the fractures to his tibia and collarbone were repaired in separate operations, the fibula and scapula were left to heal naturally, given the long summer break. One month after his accident, Mackenzie is already making progress.

“I’ve started walking without crutches, or with just one crutch, and I think that’s been quite positive,” reported the 30-year-old. “I’m doing a lot of physiotherapy and rehab, but everything’s heading in the right direction. My ankle’s probably the worst of it. The collarbone’s healed quite well already, but I still need to build up some strength.”

The ankle area is my biggest concern.

Tarran Mackenzie

Due to the poor blood supply, fractures in the ankle area take longer to heal. Mackenzie, who hails from Stirling, is optimistic that he’ll be fit to race again by the time of the Magny-Cours round in early September – though that’s by no means certain.

“The ankle area is my biggest concern,” admitted the MGM Optical Express rider. “I’m just trying to get back to full health. But it’s good that I can now walk – or limp – normally again and move about as usual in my daily life. So everything’s heading in the right direction. There are still a few weeks to go until my comeback. Then it’s off to Magny-Cours. My aim is still to be in top shape by then. That’s my goal at the moment. It’s nice to have a specific date in mind that I can work towards. If everything goes according to plan, I’ll be in top shape by then.”