Downhill champ Fabien Barel has broken three bones in his right foot just days after his participation in the Crankworx event.

Staying in Whistler for a couple of extra days following the Crankworx event, the 2004/2005 World Champion broke three metatarsal bones in his right foot two hours before he was dur to fly home.

The injury chould take eight weeks to heal, and with the World Championship in Fort William just five weeks away, it looks like the French rider might not make the start line. Doctors will attempt to remove the cast after three weeks and hope that a week of therapy can get Barel riding in September.

“The odds are tough, but I’m 100% committed to doing everything reasonable to make this happen,” said Barel. “These types of challenges are part of a career in sports. Adapting to these situations and coming out even stronger is part of the job.”