I usually give thanks at the end. But this time is different. It’s only thanks to Dr. Porcellini and his team, my trainer Carlo, the physical therapists and my entire team that I was able to get back on track after breaking my collarbone last Friday at the Ranch. Before the surgery I was down because after the bad blow to my hand that had affected the last few races, the fracture in my collarbone seemed to be the death blow. But immediately an incredible task force was activated that had one goal. Getting back on my feet by doing things right and as soon as possible. So by Sunday morning I was already in the operating room in the hands of the best specialists, and the physical therapists were ready for postoperative preparation. After the anesthesia and painkillers wear off, the pain begins,

Dr. Porcellini and his staff arrive and tell me that the surgery went well and that recovery will be quick….

Well, I honestly didn’t think so fast….

On Tuesday morning I wake up and feel good, I think to myself that maybe I can try. We continue physical therapy, 10 hours a day to get me back on track. On Tuesday evening we will evaluate the situation: these are difficult decisions but in the end I want to try. We wait until the last to leave, I take the last flight and arrive at the circuit 2 hours before FP

I show up for a checkup at the doctors. The first check is okay but the final decision will be made after shooting. In FP1 I start slow to get used to the pace. As soon as I force the bike, it runs away from me and I fall off. Fortunately, without consequences. In FP I feel good, I push, the bike reacts well and I pull off a nice P3 that gets me straight into Q2. Honestly, I’m surprised by this result too, but the pain reminds me that it’s not even 5 days after surgery and I can’t bullshit.

Saturday morning I wake up still sore and a little dazed by the time difference. In Q2 I get a strong start but crash right away and am forced to go back to the pits and use the second bike with the hard tire. Getting back on track I try to contain the damage. P9. Not bad under the circumstances, in the sprint and race there will be a struggle, but I knew I would not come on vacation….

It’s off to the SPRINT. I try to stay in the group without getting too worked up, the adrenaline in the first few laps numbing my pain. I spin hard, catch up to P4 and see Maverick ahead of me. The tussle begins, I want to pass him. Last lap, I grit my teeth and pass it. Podium!

What a taste!!!

An incredible charge, we party in the pits but immediately turn our minds back to Sunday’s race. I honestly don’t know if I can keep to the end. But I know I will give everything I have and maybe even more.

At the start I fall a little behind, losing a few positions. Then I start to come back up and find myself in a continuous tussle. Fatigue sets in; I ache all over despite painkillers. A few mistakes now and then but it’s really tough. I grit my teeth. Last lap, I see Binder in front of me, I have the pace to pass him. I take off strong, passing him on the last lap.

A P5 that makes me happy as a victory, because in the end it was a race weekend that was given to me. And when you get a gift it’s a shame to waste it, and this time I really went beyond what I had to make the most of it.

Now I hope to recover as best I can for Australia, a less physical track and one of my favorites. I just hope to continue to have fun as I am doing now. GASSSSSSSSSSSS