A few days ago, Thibaut Daprela told us that he had injured his right knee during the DH Cup in Brioude, France.
The consequences are that the COMMENCAL Muc-Off Team rider could miss the first four rounds of the World Cup series.
He gives us some more details about the situation.

COMMENCAL: How are you?

Thibaut Daprela: I'm doing great. My knee is already working very well and my condition is improving day by day.
I'm really satisfied. I can walk normally with a brace, to avoid large movements that would affect my recovery.

C: What happened?

TD: It was during the DH Cup in Brioude earlier this month.
It’s a race we participate in with the team before we start the season.
The accident was a bit stupid. It happened during training on Saturday afternoon.
I wasn’t going particularly fast and in a turn, without falling, my knee hit an embankment on the side of the track.
It stopped me dead, I couldn't take my start on Sunday.

C: What was the diagnosis?

TD: I ruptured the cruciate posterior ligament in the right knee.
Luckily, it hasn't gone completely and the meniscus was not affected, so my knee could move a little.
It remains stable and is healing well, this is the most important at the moment.

C: How is your recovery going?

TD: I very quickly started physiotherapy sessions so that my recovery to save as much time as possible.
I can still physically work my upper body to stay strong and be ready in that respect when I return.
The surgeon has signed me off for four months...
Today I am in good shape and the doctor has told me that if all goes well I'll be able to get started properly in two and a half months.
Whatever happens, even if the situation is positive at the moment, I prefer to be careful and take time to recover well.
I won't return too early as it’s important to give the body the time to have the strength to deal with any situation.

C: The World Cup starts next week (at time of interview), isn't it too hard?

TD: Frankly, no. I have no problem with that.
I tell myself that these things happen, it’s just bad luck!
It's not like I made a big error.
In this case, I’d like a little more. I have experienced much more impressive falls without a problem.
Don't be negative, it’s bad for recovery.

C: With this injury, are your goals this season different?

TD: No, not at all. I'm going to miss World Cup heats but when I come back it won't change anything.
Getting ready for Maribor (May 2-3) or Lošinj (May 9-10) is not impossible, but nothing is certain yet.
I realistically hope to be back for Fort William (June 6-7).
As for goals, this will be my first Elite season so I'll try to gain as much experience and be as consistent as possible.
Imagining top 10 or podiums is a bit stupid, but i do hope to reach the top 20 in every race.
I'm still training, I'll be physically ready when i return.

C: With the coronavirus, the first round of the World Cup is cancelled and it's not impossible that others will be too, how do you see that?

TD: No one has any information on this yet ...
With all the people of all nationalities that a World Cup brings together, maybe one or two other rounds will be cancelled.
It’s not great for anyone for sure, but at my end, it would mean i miss fewer races (laughs)!