With his 2004 supercross season in tatters Team No Fear Honda's Shane Metcalfe has returned home to South Australia 9 days after he was rushed to Sydney's Concord Hospital with a torn liver - the result of being landed on in the opening round of the Australian Supercross Nationals at the Sydney Superdome (Jan-17).
A long pre-season of testing, commitment and anticipation has now turned into a long road to recovery following one of the most horrendous incident seen in Australian Supercross for some time. Metcalfe was rushed to hospital after being landed on by KTM's Jay Marmont during the closing stages of a heat race, the resulting collision saw Metcalfe suffer a split liver and severe burns to his back and shoulders.
Now back home Metcalfe has been ordered by doctors to do nothing but rest for 5 to 6 weeks. The 21 year old has been referred to a liver specialist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital where he will be monitored on the stages of his liver healing - the first scan is to be done in around 6 weeks. Doctors stated that if scans show a good signs of healing he may begin a light training regime that will consist of mountain bike riding and gym work.
Total recovery and the expectation for Shane's return to ride on the No Fear Honda race team is yet to be decided by the specialist. They have given him a guideline of no bike activity for at least 3 months, to ensure his liver makes a full and strong recovery.
"Its going to be a long road and I couldn't be more disappointed that my supercross season has ended this way. I had an incredible pre-season and everything was perfect, my bike my mechanic, the whole preparation was perfect and a really felt I was fast enough to take the series". Metcalfe said. "Now that I am home I can't dwell on it, in reality I am very glad to just be alive. I guess from here on in it is a case of putting my head down get health and look ahead to the Mr Motocross Outdoor Nationals." "I am so lucky to have a great team behind me, and to have Amy (Shane's Wife) by my bedside every day really helped me get through the ordeal"
