Motocross expert Thierry Sarasyn talks about how he and DJO are winning the fight against injuries in Motocross - one of the most demanding sports.
Veteran journalist and passionate motocross rider and keen Defiance user, Thierry Sarasyn, tells DJO eNews how he and DJO have become a winning partnership.
When did you first get involved with Motocross?
I was nine when I first got the bug for riding, despite it being one of the most physically demanding sports I could have chosen. I loved the excitement and challenges it posed. By 1996 I was a test rider and I had been busy writing from the age of 14!
When did you first become aware of functional braces as a benefit for Motocross riders?
Motocross is very demanding. It’s an all-embracing sport that combines strength, flexibility, speed and endurance. You can’t ride motocross if you are only 90% fit. I quickly learnt after my first injuries that braces were not only important for rehabilitation but also for protection.
What did your injuries involve?
I have had multiple ACL problems. It’s an injury that affects a lot of MX riders. Because of the improved expertise and technological progress, operating on ACL’s doesn’t take as much time as it used to, but it still takes many months of demanding rehabilitation to get back into shape, and even with the best care the knee will never be as strong as it was before.
Did you use a DJO brace?
I started using DonJoy’s Armor braces and they provided very good protection. I wanted a brace not only to protect my ‘repaired’ knees, but also to prevent getting hurt again. I now wear the Defiance III tailor made brace. This has allowed me to keep riding as if nothing was wrong with my knees whilst giving them time to get to full strength again. All DonJoy braces allow knees to move naturally, while preventing them from making moves they shouldn’t. A perfect formula for a brace! And even though my knees are perfect now, I won’t ride without my DonJoy’s any more. For me, it’s like putting on a helmet, it becomes second nature.
Since becoming a wearer of DJO braces you have become much more involved with DJO as a company. How did that come about?
Ever since I tried a DonJoy brace I was impressed with the quality. I found they kept me riding safely after my knee injuries as well as preventing any new ones. Without them I’m sure I wouldn’t be able to ride anymore. In my desire to share my experience with fellow MX riders, I developed a personal relationship with DJO to help them pass on the message that “prevention is better than any cure”.
What makes DJO products different from other braces?
No other brace gives better protection to the ligaments than the DonJoy braces with their 4-point design. And it is up to us to explain to the riders how exactly it all works. When riders understand how they need to fit the brace and how it works, they are much more willing to wear it and that is what we are showing at our stand in the paddock.
I am also very excited about the Compex muscle stimulation and recuperation devices that will be of big help to the riders to stay in the game.
We have heard that braces are becoming more popular among motocross riders; do you know of any top riders wearing them?
Yes! Twice world champion Antonio Cairoli and the best MX rider in history, Stefan Everts, are both using Compex products and DonJoy braces. These riders are the best the sport has ever known. Stefan Everts is now team manager of the official KTM team, but he still rides – and wins - races too, while Tony Cairoli is one of the big favourites for the MX1 world title. Tony lost his world title last year due to a knee injury. He then tested the DonJoy Defiance III braces and immediately chose to ride with them.
What will DJO be offering these riders?
DonJoy and Compex will be an essential part of the preparation and riding gear for these top athletes. Compex will help to ensure optimum muscular fitness while DonJoy’s braces will provide the best possible protection for their knees. For the record, both champions have had their fair share of knee injuries. Stefan Everts had a completely destroyed knee after a bad crash and as you know, Tony Cairoli had to pull out of last year’s championship with his knee injury. These guys know what knee injuries are and they want to protect themselves in the best way possible. They will be given professional advice and support for the races and during the preparation and training.
Will we see you at any of the 2009 European Motocross events?
DJO will be at all the 2009 MX Grand Prix where they will have a DJO Booth in the centre of the paddock packed with lots of useful product information and MX catalogues as well as rider posters, signed pictures and caps, so don’t forget to pay us a visit!
We will have full rider support at the following races:
 |
Italy: March 29th (start of the season) |
 |
The Netherlands: April 26th |
 |
Spain: 17th May |
 |
UK: 31st May |
 |
France: 7th June |
 |
Germany: 21st June |
|
Italy: 4th October (Cross of the Nations) |
If you would like to order either or both posters, please click here.