Last Tuesday, Matthias Walkner had a serious crash while training for the 2024 Dakar Rally in the United States of America. His left leg suffered multiple fractures, in addition to injuring the ankle joint. These injuries could potentially lead to the end of his career on two wheels, at the age of 37.
It’s a possibility feared by Heinz Kinigadner, KTM’s consultant, who was quoted by SPEEDWEEK.com saying: ‘This means the end of Matthias’ career due to the severity of the injuries. However, at the moment, the doctors need to save his leg’.
If he cannot return to compete at the highest level in motorcycle racing, Walkner might not necessarily have to step away from off-road sports altogether. In fact, the Austrian admitted earlier this year that he would like to participate in car races, a transition successfully made by other motorcycle racers, such as Nani Roma or Stéphane Peterhansel.