Ducati factory rider Nicolo Bulega takes advantage of the break between the Superbike World Championship events in Barcelona and Assen to undergo surgery on his right forearm
World championship leader Nicolo Bulega made the decision to have surgery on his right forearm during the WSBK weekend in Barcelona. This was preceded by discomfort after switching from the Supersport machine to the more powerful Superbike.
According to Ducati, Bulega already felt pain in his forearm during the winter tests, which indicated an arm pump problem. The WSBK rookie was unable to ride without pain at the season opener on Phillip Island (Australia). The situation worsened at the European opener last weekend.
After consultation with his Aruba Ducati team, the world championship leader decided to have an arm pump operation, which was carried out at the Oglio Po Hospital (Cremona). Doctor Alessio Pedrazzini operated on the 24-year-old Italian. According to Ducati, the operation was successful.
Bulega has exactly three weeks to recover before the third WSBK event of the current season. The first training session will take place on April 19 at the Grand Prix circuit in Assen (Netherlands).
Bulega made a fantastic start to his WSBK rookie season. The reigning Supersport World Champion drew attention to himself as early as the winter tests when he rode well below the lap records
Bulega confirmed this form at the season opener in Australia. The Ducati factory rider stormed to pole in Superpole and took victory in the first race of the season shortly afterwards. Bulega also fought for victories in Barcelona and finished both main races in second place. Due to the good results, the news about the arm pump problems came as a surprise.
After all, Bulega was once again one of the absolute top riders last weekend. He took the lead in the riders’ standings, which he currently leads with 87 points.
Ducati team-mate and defending champion Alvaro Bautista (75 points) is in first place after his victory at his home race in Barcelona and is twelve points behind on equal points with Kawasaki rider Alex Lowes. BMW rider Toprak Razgatlioglu (71 points) is also within striking distance
