Seventeen-time champ forced to call it quits due to medical condition
American Suzuki Motor Corp. (ASMC) announced today that Team
Makita Suzuki Racing's Ricky Carmichael will not compete at this
weekend's US Open in Las Vegas. Carmichael has been diagnosed
with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), a debilitating and complex
disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved
by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental
activity. CFS affects more than one million people in the United
States.
Carmichael's condition was more than likely brought on by his
recent intense schedule of motorcycle and car racing, his training
regime, and possibly a shortage of rest while caring for his
newborn twins. "I've just felt like I've been running out of steam
the past few months. Training has been difficult. I've struggled to
maintain my normal pace on my road bike and though I've been
extremely tired, I've had a difficult time sleeping and never really
feel rested," said Carmichael.
Unfortunately, RC's condition not only means that he'll miss this
weekend's US Open in Vegas, but he also will not be able to
attend the Bercy Supercross in November as planned. This
essentially means that the seventeen-time champion's motorcycle
racing career has come to a premature end.
"I'm disappointed to have it end in this manner," said Carmichael.
"I was really looking forward to racing the Open and Bercy.
Suzuki has stepped up the testing on the new fuel-injected RM-
Z450 in order to premier it at the Open. I feel bad for Suzuki, my
team and my sponsors as well as Live Nation, who have been a
great supporter of me during my supercross career. As it turns
out, MX des Nations was my last..." full story on racerxill.com
Ricky Carmichael at X-Games 13 - tedescophoto.com