After almost six months in recovery following a complex wrist operation, Factory Jitsie Beta rider Jack Sheppard is back in action and is gearing up for the start of the 2012 outdoor trials season. This week the eighteen-year-old rider returns from Belgium where he has spent the last ten days getting to grips with his new full factory Beta machine and making the challenging transition from a 125cc to a 300cc machine.
Sheppard kicked off his stay in Belgium in flamboyant style by showing off his impressive biking skills to guests at a high profile celebrity black tie dinner. The event, including Jack's popular demonstration, was broadcast to a national television audience.
An intensive session of testing close to Jitsie's HQ followed with Sheppard being presented with his new bike for the 2012 season. This year will see Sheppard move up a class at World level into the Junior category and to the main championship class at the European events, and so Jack is now armed with a 300cc Beta, which is of similar specification to the bikes being ridden by James Dabill's and Jeroni Fajardo's.
"It has been a real privilege to get my hands on something so special," says Sheppard. Whilst in Belgium, Sheppard spent every afternoon practising on his new bike. He admitted to being a bit rusty at first, but having had the opportunity to try out a variety of different sections he now feels confident and is enjoying the extra power.
For the first four months following his operation, Jack had to rest completely and was unable to ride. So getting back on his bike in February was a milestone in itself, but now Jack is tasked with adapting to a completely different machine. The confident rider is unfazed, however, and is pleased with the initial progress he has made in Belgium.
Sheppard has also maintained the momentum of his physiotherapy programme and fitness regime, doing regular wrist and arm exercises, and working with personal trainer Rob Jarman whilst in the UK and with a local trainer whilst in Belgium. The determination the young rider has shown throughout his recovery and preparation for the new season has paid off.
"I have come a long way since the end of last year. Although I still have some pain, my arm is a lot stronger now and is feeling better all the time. I have also been working hard at building up my overall fitness, strength and balance. Thanks to the Red Bull High Performance Programme I have had access to the highest standards of care and support, which has enabled me to make a quick recovery."
Sheppard is now looking forward to his first international event in the coming weeks, ahead of the opening round of the FIM Junior Trial World Championship in France on 28/29 April.
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