Cal Crutchlow big mistake verdict shared on hobbling Alex Rins
Experienced Yamaha rider and test rider Cal Crutchlow has voiced a scathing opinion on Alex Reigns’ recovery from a leg injury, suggesting the Spaniard may be back on track early. Reigns, who will now ride for Yamaha in the 2024 MotoGP season after leaving LCR Honda, struggled during wet practice in Qatar, finding himself at the bottom of the timesheets.
Concerns over Reigns’ condition were heightened when he was seen limping into the paddock despite claiming there was no pain in his leg, which he broke last year. TNT Sports commentator Neil Hodgson shared his disturbing observations about Reigns’ physical appearance: “I walked behind him. His leg is a weird shape, he looks very uncomfortable.”
Crutchlow, whose career includes Yamaha test riding, compared Reigns’ situation to his own similar injury experience at Phillip Island in 2018, revealing after seeing Reigns’ X-ray, he thought the Spanish rider had made a “big mistake its course.”
Speaking to Crutchlow, Hodgson explained: “Cal basically said ‘I think he made a big mistake, he came back too soon’. And, I have to say, it looks like Cal was right, luckily he’s bad.”
Crutchlow said that after the incident, Reigns was limp as if he had broken his leg just two months earlier, indicating a possible hasty decision to return. The experienced British rider also recalled his challenge with an ankle injury, admitting that even a year later the injury still haunts him.
The lengthy recovery of Reins, who broke his tibia and tendon in Italy last May, included multiple surgeries and even a wedding while he was still in a wheelchair. His return to the MotoGP season opener added a layer of drama, with questions remaining over the rider’s fitness.
Crutchlow’s caution and candid words highlight the severity of MotoGP injuries and the importance of a full recovery before returning to racing. Reigns’ situation continues to be closely watched by fans and the MotoGP community, adding an intriguing element to the start of the season.
