Unfortunately , the team suffered a major loss on Day 4 when Walton crashed in Enduro Test 3 ( Selvapiana ). Despite managing to finish the test , it was later determined that he had a broken scapula and had to sit out the rest of the competition . The loss of a team member resulted in the team incurring a three-hour penalty each on Days 5 and 6 , making it impossible for a decent standing at the end of competition .
“ There was a wall we had to go up [ in test number three today ],” said Walton . “ When I hit the wall , it set me off wrong . It was really steep , and a 90-degree turn left around a tree ; then it goes down and splits . I fell into the tree , and when it did that , it shot me back to the right and I center-punched a tree . When
I first crashed [ two days ago ], I was hurting really bad , and I bet I rode with a crack [ in the bone ] yesterday . I ’ m just bummed , but it ’ s a part of the race . I ’ m looking forward to healing up and getting back on the bike again . Riding as much as we do here , I kind of want to just go straight home and start riding again . They took x-rays , checked to make sure my lungs and everything were good . We ’ re all healthy other than the broken scapula .”
Despite solid runs by both Oliveira and Barns on the final days , the team fell to their final position of 11th .
16 AUSTIN WALTON - TEAM USA 11TH JWT / 45TH E2
ON THE PEGS // PAGE 66