During the practice sessions for the Dutch Grand Prix, a freestyle motocross (FMX) stuntman’s performance took a tragic turn when the rider lost control and crashed onto the downramp.
As part of the festivities for the Formula 1 event in Zandvoort, Netherlands, a stunt show featured a professional car drifter along with acrobatic performances from STUN!, an FMX group based in Lithuania. Honza Kabát was one of three riders in the FMX team.
As Kabát performed his stunt, he launched off a stationary ramp, but something went wrong mid-air. According to Road & Track, he released the handlebars but was unable to regain control, landing awkwardly on the downramp. Footage from a bystander suggests that he may have overshot the landing, as both he and the motorcycle struck the lower part of the ramp before falling off completely.
Although Kabát’s lower body made initial contact with the ramp, the sheer force of his fall caused his head and upper body to hit the unforgiving asphalt. Thankfully, the stunt bike landed some distance away from him, which helped prevent additional injuries. Medical personnel quickly arrived on the scene, and Kabát was conscious after the incident. He received treatment on-site before being taken to a medical facility for further care.
Reflecting on his injuries, Kabát recounted to R&T that he was unconscious for several hours and mentioned that adverse weather conditions played a role in the crash. He expressed that the Dutch Grand Prix should have postponed the stunt performances.
“This type of weather is not appropriate for FMX,” Kabát stated. “The wind was very strong, and the road was wet; these were the two critical factors that led to my fall. We don’t attempt jumps in such conditions at other events.”
“It feels like I’ve been hit by a train,” Kabát remarked. “I was out cold for over four hours and have no recollection of the incident.” In a social media update, he detailed sustaining multiple fractures in his shoulder, wrist, hand, and leg, all of which will need several surgeries and a lengthy recovery process.
“I’ll be going through many operations and it will take a long time to return to riding,” he continued. “This is the less glamorous side of our sport… I hope to see you all again soon. Thank you for the supportive messages.”
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