Wednesday 1st August 2012, 13:23

Triple world champion Jason Crump says there was no gamble involved in making his return to action just seven days after collarbone surgery in the FIM Fogo Croatian SGP on Saturday.

When the 36-year-old crashed at Russian circuit Vladivostok on July 19, some assumed he’d be forced to sit the Gorican meeting out.

But aided by main sponsors Red Bull, Crump sought the best treatment and underwent an operation to plate the bone just two days later. The Bristol-born man quickly declared himself ready for action, although he sat out Friday’s practice session at the Speedway Stadium Milenium.

Crump bounced back with a courageous charge to the semi-finals, where he exited on nine points.

Given that he is still just 10 behind World Championship leader Greg Hancock, Crump’s fast return has kept him in contention for SGP title No.4. And the Vetlanda man was quick to point out that he did not put his health at risk or take any chances to keep himself in the race.

He said: “I don’t think it was a gamble. None of the surgeons considered it a gamble. They willingly told me it was okay to ride.

“They’ve done it before with a few other riders, not in speedway, but they’ve done a few other motorcyclists before and got them back into competition within seven to 10 days.”

Crump isn’t the only Aussie who has been in the wars lately as Chris Holder’s chain came off in heat 14 at Gorican and he was dumped hard on his ribs – just three days after injuring them at Poole.

Australia’s international captain was quick to check on Holder’s condition and feels the Sydneysider made the right decision to withdraw from his last ride, despite having six points and being in semi-final contention.

He said: “It’s never good and especially with it being the rib area. One blow in the ribs is bad enough. Getting another one pretty much straight away is even worse. I think Chris made a very brave and sensible decision to do what he did. He knew he didn’t feel good enough to continue on and I have a lot of respect for people who admit that.

“That’s why people need to know that I didn’t do anything silly on Saturday. I didn’t go against doctors’ orders, I did what I felt comfortable doing and I didn’t put anyone else in danger.”

Asked if he was experiencing any pain after the meeting, Crump replied: "There is no pain involved in the actual collarbone itself. That feels fine. The muscles around the shoulder, neck area and arm are a different story. We have a bit of time, though. We have time until the next GP (in Italy on August 11).”

Crump admits he left Croatia with more points than he expected and despite being leapfrogged by Gorican gold medallist Nicki Pedersen for second place, he says the title race is still very much on.

He said: “You always want more points, but I kind of came here expecting to get four or five, so nine is a bonus. I couldn’t have really expected to get any more than that I think.

“Nicki rode really well and deserved his win. He did everything right. But the title race is not done. It’s not done by a long way yet.”

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