Popular Ipswich Witch Nico Covatti is hoping to return to England later this season to race.
The 29-year-old who suffered a broken wrist in a horror crash at Redcar in April and was told his season was over, has defied doctors and is now ready for a return to the British League.
Speaking from Argentina, where he was been recuperating since his crash, Covatti admitted it has been one of the worst seasons in the sport for him – even more so since he started the campaign so well.
Covatti was in super form before his Redcar accident – a wrist injury needing several operations.
“After the accident I was operated on twice in England and after that I returned to Italy where I could continue my rehabilitation alongside my friends and my girlfriend, so it was a lot more comfortable for me with also my doctor nearby,” he said.
“I started the long road to recovery but during that frustrating period I am very happy because I made faster progress than the doctors anticipated.
“They said it would be a year before I returned but I have been training for three months here in Italy and did my first testing in Lonigo and I felt good on the bike although I lacked a bit of strength. After four or five more practice sessions I am at 100% again.”
Covatti is hopeful of finding a team place in England again in 2017 and has plenty of meetings lined up on the continent too after working hard to get back to full fitness.
“When the doctors told me that I wouldn’t return to the track this season, it was a really sad time for me. But the days and the months went by and I realised I could return this season.
“I don’t have a team in England and I would love to get a team place somewhere before the end of the season.”
On the plus side, Nico and his girlfriend are expecting a baby girl in January and he could not hide his excitement at the news.
“In my personal life I am very happy because I am going to become a father,” he said.
“My family will come from Argentina and this is the best thing that has happened to me and I am happy for this. It will be a difficult year to forget for the good things that have happened and the bad things.”
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