Drama at the US Nationals in Southwick: Both Coenen brothers injured!

MXGP World Championship leader Lucas Coenen crashed in the first corner after the start of the first 450cc class race during his wildcard appearance in Southwick (USA), but was able to continue. The 19-year-old began a charge through the field to fourth place and had already moved back ahead of Jorge Prado (KTM). Two minutes before the end of the race, his KTM locked up on a jump, causing the Belgian to be thrown violently over the handlebars. Although Lucas was able to leave the scene of the crash on his own two feet after a few minutes and make his way to the medical centre, he was unable to compete in the second race.

Der Crash von Lucas Coenen in Southwick

Foto: AMA

Lucas Coenen saß nach seinem Crash am Streckenrand

Foto: AMA

Sacha Coenen: Double victory despite a shoulder injury

Even in the first race of the 250cc class, MX2 World Championship leader Sacha Coenen found himself in serious danger of crashing on several occasions, but somehow managed to get through and won the first race. In the second race, he started around fourth place, took the lead during the race and eventually built up a 15-second lead. With just three and a half minutes remaining, Sacha took a downhill jump a little too wide and was thrown over the handlebars. In the process, he lost his goggles, meaning he had to ride the final laps in the sand without them whilst being lapped numerous times. But he also sustained a shoulder injury; he gritted his teeth and carried on. His lead was big enough that, despite his setbacks, he was able to win the second race as well and was crowned the day’s winner. The Belgian did not attend the podium ceremony, as he also had to visit the medical centre due to severe pain in his right shoulder. Sacha was unable to lift his right arm in the finish area.

Der Crash von Sacha Coenen in Southwick

Foto: AMA

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Exact diagnoses are still pending

The nature and severity of Sacha’s shoulder injury have not yet been diagnosed. Details of Lucas’s injury have also not yet been announced. The only fact is that Lucas did not start the second race. Let’s hope that the injuries to the two Coenen brothers will not affect the World Championship and that they will be able to compete at Foxhill (England) next week.