Slaw Dog
Honda HRC’s Ken Roczen released a lengthy post today on Instagram explaining that he has been experiencing breathing issues “for a few months now” and that he has developed a “mild asthma” that he was unaware of.
According to Roczen, he got really sick in November/December and it attacked “the respiratory side of my body really bad” and that he has not been able to get rid of the issue since.
With the final seven rounds taking place in Utah, the altitude is obviously affecting him.
Roczen started the main event strong on Wednesday night, passing Eli Tomac and making his way to the front, before dropping back to eventually finish fifth.
“Obviously I had to let go after just about 8 min into the main, which is obviously not normal,” he said in the post. “I know that this looks bad but unfortunately it is what it is and i am not giving up.”
Roczen confirmed he will be lining up for Sunday’s race despite the issues.
Below is his full post:
SLC Round 2 was not a good one for me. I have been having breathing issues for a few months now. I got really sick in November/ December that attacked the respiratory side of my body really bad and ever since i have not been able to get rid of that issue no matter what i do. It has been going on for a long time and i am not able to get rid of it. I have developed a mild asthma that i was unaware of before but i am not sure if that is the actual issue to be honest. Having said that there is medication for that but it doesn’t seem to change my restrictions. It is not something i talk about because when i am out racing it doesn’t matter what issue i have because all that matters is the end result. I am always going out to do my best and push my body as hard as i can. Obviously i had to let go after just about 8 min into the main, which is obviously not normal. I know that this looks bad but unfortunately it is what it is and i am not giving up. There are still 5 rounds to go and i m always down to try and do some magic! The last thing i want to do is let down the people that believe in me. I just thought my fans should know. To go out and win your body has to work in top notch form. Other than that i have been feeling pretty good on the bike and am plenty fast enough to win. Onto Sunday!
Main image: Courtesy Honda HRC
