Update: SR Motoblouz Honda with the latest on Thibault Benistant – surgery

The SR Motoblouz Honda team experienced a weekend of contrasting fortunes at the MXGP of France in Lacapelle Marival. April Franzoni celebrated a major milestone by securing her first podium finish in the Women’s World Championship, placing third overall after two strong motos. Her performance marked a promising start to the championship, demonstrating the potential within the team’s female lineup. However, the weekend took a serious turn following a heavy crash involving Thibault Bénistant early in the first MXGP moto. After a solid qualifying session and a seventh-place finish in the warm-up, Bénistant was caught up in a collision shortly after the race began. Despite efforts to regain positions, he suffered a severe accident mid-lap, leaving him motionless on the track before being airlifted to hospital in Toulouse for surgery. Medical updates remain cautious, reflecting the unpredictable nature of recovery from such injuries in elite athletes. Bénistant underwent surgery on his T3/T4 vertebrae, which he later confirmed on social media, expressing gratitude for the support and readiness to face the recovery ahead. The team and his loved ones have rallied around him during this challenging period, underscoring the close-knit community within the sport. On the sporting front, Kevin Horgmo faced difficulties in the first moto due to extended yellow flags following Bénistant’s crash but bounced back with a strong second moto to secure another top-ten finish. The weekend highlighted both the resilience and risks inherent in motocross, with the team balancing moments of triumph and adversity as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.