Update: Brook Macdonald Rides Bike for First Time Since Mont-Sainte-Anne Injury

Oct 15, 2019
by James Smurthwaite  
400 [Failed to load instagram embed] https://www.instagram.com/p/B3m66tghUvQ/?maxwidth=1000&hidecaption=1
We've been keeping close tabs on Brook Macdonald's recovery and there's been another huge piece of news today as he posted a video of himself riding a bike again for the first time since his crash. Brook's injury was now nearly 50 days ago but this is a huge step for him in his recovery, coming just over two weeks after he first walked unsupported.

bigquotesWell last week I got to ride a bike for the first time since my accident and let me tell you it was the best feeling in the world. I literally couldn’t wipe the smile of my face for the next 2 days after this!Brook Macdonald

Brook's fundraiser is still live and can be found here.

The original story is below:




We're now nearly 40 days on from Brook Macdonald's crash in Mont-Sainte-Anne and he's finally starting to become mobile again. This week he has twice posted footage of himself walking unassisted and seems to be in good spirits too.

Brook spent two weeks in hospital in Quebec immediately after the crash and is now currently in his 3rd week of rehab in Christchurch with 2 more to go before he can finally head home. To help his recovery he has set up a Fundraising page to ask people to help with "rehabilitation back home, transport and financial support for Lucy [his partner] as she will be looking after Brook."

photo

The Give a Little page says: "This journey is going to be a long road for Brook and Lucy. Spinal cord injuries don’t have a significant diagnosis like any other bone in the body.

"Brook's plan is to ride again and get back to competing in World Cups with the mountain biking family he loves! Together we could help them to adapt to their new lifestyle and get back on his bike!"

The page has so far raised nearly $4,000 to help Brook with a number of donations coming from his fellow pro riders. The link is here for anyone who wishes to help out: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/get-bulldog-back-on-his-bike.

We'll continue to update you with news on Brook as we get it.

Author Info:
jamessmurthwaite avatar

Member since Nov 14, 2018
1,770 articles

170 Comments
  • 470 3
 Best news I've heard all day.

Something ain't right when a pro athlete needs to take donations for recovery of an injury they suffered while at the event they are competing at. Something (many things) need to be change in this amazing sport/industry.
  • 284 1
 While he's wearing a red bull hat.
  • 26 0
 Well phrased.
  • 72 1
 cannot get behind this sentiment enough. frankly his sponsors should be having a whip round to deal with this.
  • 35 0
 In this case, this shouldn't even be a matter of charity by sponsors. He's a high-profile athlete and his IG posts get tens of thousands of reactions, so having him in a Redbull hat, Fox shirt etc. would be good for those brands. Halo effect of supporting a legend as he recovers and all...
  • 97 2
 @Drew-O: gotta be honest, if 'those brands' don't do something loud and clear to help him out.. i certainly won't have the same positive view of their products/brand in the future.
  • 73 10
 @tobiusmaximum: Does anyone even drink Redbull? Yuck
  • 38 4
 @Eduardoramundo: you know who i would be most disappointed in? mondraker. thats who he rides for, thats his team. the buck stops with them.
  • 23 1
 I guess that depends on what exactly they need help with. I think they should be paying for his care and rehabilitation. But things like helping his GF financially is probably maybe asking to much but I bet we can all understand the financial burden she may have doing anything and everything she can for Brook. Based on the way it was written I got that a big part of this.
  • 15 0
 @tobiusmaximum: Does he actually ride for Mondraker though? I have no idea of that teams current setup but often times these teams and sponsorship deals aren't as straight forward as they seem. We see riders on a bike and just say he rides for that company, when in reality that company may just be the title sponsor of what is a privately owned team. It would be nice if these guys were fully covered but we should also just keep in mind that all these teams and sponsorships are often more complicated business relationships that we realize.
  • 15 0
 @sino428: yeah sure, i do understand that. but the real world reality is that if brook isn't looked after, when he puts his neck on the line primarily making mondraker bikes look good, then i doubt i will be the only person with a bitter taste in their mouth when thinking about that brand.

but! i will say thats its possible that i'm the problem here and that i simply need to rejig my opinion of online fundraising so it doesn't seem so much like.. well, begging. this is what pisses me off. i feel like one of the fastest riders in the world, in our beloved sport, is having to 'beg'.
  • 3 0
 @tobiusmaximum: yea I agree, I’m just saying it’s not always easy to know who exactly to point the finger at.
  • 17 0
 If Brook was out there racing and taking those sort of risks totally uninsured, whether arranged personally or through his team or whatever else, I would be totally amazed to the point it is reckless.

I have a hard time believing that adequate insurance coverage would not be a core consideration for any pro level athlete.

If the financial situation of this sport and these athletes is so bad that these sort of risks are being taken uncovered, you’re right something is very wrong and he deserves all the donations he can get.
  • 2 8
flag harrybrottman (Oct 8, 2019 at 17:52) (Below Threshold)
 @Eduardoramundo: mainly young children who see their hero’s like Aaron Gwin wearing red bull helmets..... yuck!
  • 23 1
 @Ktron: while not totally clear what Brook is entitled to as NZ has a "no fault" insurance system called ACC. This means that the govt will pay up to 80% of his average income over the prior six weeks before injury to the injured person. Brooks deal maybe a little murky having incurred his injury overseas, and will also depend if he is a contractor or employee of MS Mondraker.

His girlfriend can apply for government assistance as his primary care giver, but only once they are back home. She would not currently be considered as the primary care giver as he currently is being looked after by the rehad clinic in Christchurch (free for Brook). The amount that she could be entitled too though will be a pittance, maybe in the area of $150 to $200 a week... Good enough for a tank of gas in the car and not much else. But each case is looked at on it's merits and it could well be that the government says that they are not entitled to any care giver benefit.

She may have stepped down from her employment, had some holiday pay owing, etc, but she likely has had zero income for nearly six weeks. The bills and mortgage keep coming at you though.

Red Bull and other sponsors are likely still paying Brook some salary... If so, then his ACC payout will be reduced, or even wiped completely to zero.

Brooks sponsors however have no responsibility or requirement, morally or otherwise, to pay Lucy.
  • 6 2
 @Drew-O: Interesting fact,

Red Bull distribution:

In 2010 the company won a long-running legal battle with The Bulldog, a chain of cannabis coffee shops. The Bulldog was ordered to cease the sale and distribution of its own brand of energy drink.[9]

CoFounder:

He co-founded the Red Bull energy drink company and holds 49% of the company's shares. As of June 2019, Mateschitz's net worth was estimated to be $19.5 billion, making him the 53rd richest person in the world.
  • 5 0
 @Ktron: it’s not likely he had no coverage. It’s that most insurance doesn’t pay everything. There are usually deductibles, coinsurance, etc that the patient is responsible for. And when you have a severe injury like this even the smaller portions that the patient is responsible for add up to very large amounts.
  • 1 0
 @sino428: good points
  • 5 0
 @tobiusmaximum: a brand like redbull has way more money and resources. Regardless if Redbull helps him or not, drinking redbull definitely leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.
  • 2 1
 @TobiasHandcock: Especially with the Red Bull hat. Red Bull generates a lot of money with this whole action sports thing. Getting proper crash insurance for all their athletes should be a no brainer.
  • 5 13
flag excavator666 (Oct 9, 2019 at 1:32) (Below Threshold)
 @Eduardoramundo: I drink Red Bull. Got a problem with that?
  • 10 0
 Redbull actually help fund Wings for Life a charity who’s main goal is to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.
  • 2 0
 @tobiusmaximum: Don't be so quick to point fingers at Mondraker. A lot of factory riders ride for a team/the teams owner, and then the team is sponsored by a bike brand... Not sure what the case is with his team, but you shouldn't assume that Mondraker is the owner of the team.
  • 5 0
 @AlexRose @tobiusmaximum : Mondraker isn't the owner of the team; you're 100% correct. MS stands for Markus Stoeckl, and he is the owner. They haven't always had Mondraker bikes either. Mondraker is the current sponsor of the team.

"At Mondraker we are pleased to finally announce the members of our 2018 MS-Mondraker Team. 2018 marks our 10th Anniversary as a leading brand in the World Cup Downhill scene and it will become our 7th season (since 2012) as the main-title sponsor for the MS-Mondraker Team, led by Markus Stoeckl and Lukas Haider. We cannot be any more excited for the new racing season to come!"

Recent history ^^ from PB article www.pinkbike.com/news/ms-mondraker-team-announces-2018-riders.html
  • 2 0
 Made my fucking day, your the man brook keep at it and we will all laugh at your janky walk when your wheels hit the dirt again.
  • 2 1
 I’m sure it helps to tone down vulgarity but seriously, My F U C K I N G day, that smile at the end said it all. Best wishes
  • 2 0
 That just brightened up my morning !
  • 1 0
 @tobiusmaximum: How do we know they aren't helping him with support? Some people/companies don't need to publicize their charity.....So let's not assume.

But.....if they aren't.....I wholeheartedly agree
  • 1 0
 The give-a-little reads as if this money will go primarily towards supporting his rehabilitation as well as Brook’s partner Lucy.

He’s likely still pulling down a salary, but the costs of an injury, even when everything is covered, is high.

Also he’s in Burwood, a specialised spinal rehabilitation centre, a long way from his home in Hawke’s Bay. It’s on the South Island so requires flying to get there. Costs will be racking up fast for them especially if Lucy can’t work.
  • 2 0
 I would like to see the breakdown of insurance for riders in each discipline DH/XC/FR from the very top (Bruni) down to say the person in the high 40s on the leader board. See what is available to them, how it is is paid for and who contributes/responsible in the event of an injury. I imagine the details would be shocking.
  • 2 0
 It seems to me that all such events should take care in insurence companies for all riders
  • 2 0
 @Eduardoramundo: A guy at my work drinks 2 every morning!!!!! I think his heart is going to explode...
  • 1 0
 That's why many of us, even with great compnay sponsored heathcare plans(not as good as pre Obama) have additional plans such as an HSA that i pay into each month. It's like having a 401k but your also going to want to have an IRA too.
  • 2 0
 What a stud
  • 1 0
 @mfoga: when I watched the Rob meets series. I gathered she was a nurse. She’s likely very capable of taking care of him but would have to give up work to do so. Unfortunately for those in public health care there is no caregivers leave. She would likely have to take unpaid leave to support him at home
  • 2 0
 @Eduardoramundo: Not sure how you drink a marketing company
  • 1 1
 @CantQuitCartel: Any money Redbull will give will be a tax deducted expense, so are really not paying anything?
  • 2 0
 @aljoburr: that’s not how tax deductions work.
  • 1 0
 @AlexRose: you are totally correct with this argument. It's MS MONDRAKER and the MS stands for Markus Stöckl, former dh racer and now team owner. Is it his responsibility to ensure his riders are on the best insurance plan? No as each athlete has a set of multiple side sponsors and earns his money not solely by the team. So they need to be as much adult as each of us and take care to reduce risks by choosing additional insurance services. This may be harsh and to be fair I agree with the fact that rider safety should be on the list of each team, sponsor and venue.
We could oppt for a industry fund to help out the fallen heros.

Last but not least seeing Brook on a bike again are the best news for a while.
Heal up buddy and take my coins, as I supported you right now.
  • 1 0
 I’ve not read all comments above/below, but general consensus seems to be that sponsors should be paying for Brooks medical care.

I agree entirely, but let’s not forget, he was representing NZ in the race he was injured at, pretty sure the country could afford to spare more dolla than any of his sponsors, maybe even all them put together!!
  • 4 1
 @marko369: dude, they're too busy building mosques to pay for brooks recovery.
  • 1 0
 @aljoburr: they don’t donate to the charity they helped create it and fund it. Google is your friend
  • 1 0
 @CantQuitCartel: technically though they still donate to it. Even though they created the charity any funding they provide to it would still be considered a donation.
  • 67 2
 It's amazing how the Mtb community supports itself when needed; It's amazing too, that Red Bull and mayor sponsors don't have an insurance plan for their riders, considering they put their life on the line for them.
  • 41 12
 Why should a sponsor provide insurance? We can debate about the teams providing insurance/healthcare for their employees but why sponsors? Sponsors give you money so you can do your job. How you spend this money is up to you. How many companys do you think are providing their employees with insurance?
And btw, I would be amazed if Red Bull didn't chip in with providing the best medical treatment they could. They have the knowlege and connections due to the Wings for live foundation.
  • 13 8
 'considering they put their life on the line for them' Riders don't ride for there sponsors do they though. They'd ride if they were sponsored or not.
  • 1 0
 But as they negotiate contracts that should be put in there if not it’s riders responsibility to have insurance and life insurance for that matter. Now if it could fall under workman’s comp as they are an employee buy those rates would be through the roof.
  • 7 0
 The issue likely stems from the fact that these guys aren't traditional employees of any one company of sponsor. They ride for race teams and also likely have many outside sponsors too. So its not likely so simple to say, this guys rides for this company, so they should pay for his health insurance. In reality these guys are essentially independent contractors riding for many companies at the same time. It would be up to them I guess to negotiate health insurance into one of those contracts or get their own policy. I'm sure its different for every rider as they all have their own unique situation.
  • 15 2
 Or the rider buy insurance like most of us you know sooner or later you might get hurt get insurance that's part of the game, use that sponsor money to buy insurance.
  • 3 21
flag pargolf8 (Oct 8, 2019 at 15:43) (Below Threshold)
 @ybsurf: most of us arent world cup athlete caliber. Shit comparison. Who ever upvoted you is dumb
  • 4 0
 @pargolf8: so because you are not world class athlete you wont crash and hurt yourself? If you dont have insurance with your work you should get some just in case no matter your skill, it's a dangerous sport and accident happen.
  • 1 0
 @ybsurf: I agree with you, I’m trash compared to a World Cup racer, and I’ve broken a ton of bones. I know this is still fresh but Jordie Lunn just passed away from injuries sustained on a blue trail didn’t he? Stuff happens, you can’t always account for everything. Proper health insurance is a must.

Just a side note, medical debt sucks and I should have gotten better insurance earlier in my life so I’m speaking from personal experience lol.
  • 67 0
 100% Donated 5000$
  • 28 0
 Heading out to buy some 100% gear tomorrow to support them!!!
  • 41 0
 for a minute there i thought you meant you were 100% commited and donated $5k. that's awesome of them anyway.
  • 7 0
 @Three6ty: 100% make some nice stuff, so it's a win win if you do get some gear.
  • 2 0
 That is great, I love their gloves!
  • 3 0
 i am proud to wear 100% now
  • 3 0
 If anyone is trying to decide what to buy from 100%, I highly recommended their Brisker glove. Would be an excellent seasonal purchase.
  • 1 0
 @mtbikemccoy: I'm just about to buy Brisker, thanks for the recommendation!
  • 36 0
 I rarely get emotional, but Brook’s posts have made me cry 3 times now — first time in over a decade! I’m a former pro downhiller and I had a VERY similar incomplete spinal cord injury (from snowboarding) at the same vertebra level, and so I know how amazing all the “small wins” of recovery can feel. Every improvement can feel as amazing as winning a race, while other improvements can feel utterly miraculous — especially when exceeding the stated expectations of the medical professionals who are caring for you.

I’m sincerely hoping and praying Brook will make a full recovery, but I also saw that Lucy previously mentioned “neurological deficits” from the injury (which the surgeons can often ascertain when directly viewing the nerves during surgery — seeing if certain nerves were severed by a bone fragment). “Neurological deficits,” with respect to incomplete spinal cord injuries, can mean that certain specific nerves or nerve bundles were badly damaged or possibly severed. The level at which he shattered one of his vertebra is the “cauda equina” (“the horse’s tail”) which is where the nerves come out of the upper portion of the spinal cord and begin exiting the vertebra/spine in smaller bundles that to go to their final destinations in the midsection and lower body. Brook mentioned his glutes and hamstrings were affected and weaker, which is typical for the vertebra he shattered (T12 or L1, I seem to remember). Nerve damage can prevent certain muscles or muscle groups from firing (as they don’t get the signal from the brain, or it’s a weak signal, or it only goes to a small portion of a muscle group) — thus muscle weakness and a relative imbalance of leg muscle power can result in a different gate, muscle exhaustion from lesser exertion, and a shortened and more intentional stride. Brook and I walk quite similarly, although I’ve had a few more years to develop my strength and coordination and walking speed (as it relates to my brain relearning which muscles to activate to make walking smooth and comfortable — or at least not painful).

So anyhow, nerves don’t heal like other tissue, so there’s potential that Brook might have permanently weaker legs. However, rigorous rehab, various new therapies, and/or stem cell therapy can potentially improve recovery to the point that the injury is indiscernible to other people. Additionally, the “spinal shock” aspect of certain incomplete spinal cord injuries can result in neurological improvements over hours, days, weeks, and months after the initial injury — as swelling goes down and partially-damaged nerves re-establish their electrical-signal-carrying capability from the brain, while the body also sometimes repairs partial injury to incompletely-damaged nerves. But, based on my experience and online comments from Lucy and Brook, I’m guessing that some of his neurological deficits might be permanent after a period of further incremental recovery.

So that said, let’s all keep encouraging and supporting and praying or vibing for Brook during his recovery — and hoping that it’s a full recovery while being prepared to best support him if not. If he isn’t able to make a full recovery, let’s all figure out ways to support him — as it’s SUCH a difficult thing to deal with at times (not being able to do what you love as well as you know you could otherwise). For me, I can only do 2-2.5 minutes of full-pace downhilling before my legs give out. So my racing career was cut short, but those 2-2.5 minutes are almost more exhilarating and fun and rewarding than before the spinal cord injury; I cherish every run, and every moment on the bike feels like a gift (especially doing 20,000 vertical feet in one day at Sun Peaks, which took 3 weeks of recovery after due to over-exerting the muscle groups affected by nerve damage, like my glutes, hamstrings, calves, and ankles). I hope and pray that Brook enjoys riding even more than before his spinal cord injury, and I CAN’T WAIT to see him ride again — even the first time, in a few weeks or months, when his legs might only last 1-2 minutes of hard riding.

And additionally, I’m working to introduce MTB XC, DS, and/or DH to the Paralympics, and it appears we’ll have a Paracycling category at Crankworx in 2020, at a few big race series in the US, and eventually likely the MTB World Championships and certain UCI races (likely including 4x). So we’ll likely have a Paracycling category for people who have suffered SCI, or are recovering from SCI, and similar different-abilities that adversely affect riding strength or other riding ability. I’m sure Brook’s injury will bring much-needed further attention and awareness to spinal cord injuries, especially incomplete SCI’s like his and mine which are quite rare and often misunderstood.
  • 5 0
 Thanks for sharing your experiences and insight, I imagine you still have hardware in there for life?
  • 5 0
 @imho4ep: Thx! Yes, they took out my shattered L1 vertebra and replaced it with a titanium cage filled with ground pieces of a rib they took from my left side (which I later crashed on and a stick jabbed my kidney, ha!). The cage calcified around the spinal cord and calified to the other two adjacent vertebra, forming one massive bone. There are also two rods and screws that helped stabilize everything while the bone and cage “set” over 3 months. Surprisingly, Brook didn’t need a wrap-around chest/back brace like I did — but that’s likely because they didn’t need to replace a whole vertebra — guessing they just took out a piece that broke off and then added rods (with no cage).
  • 4 0
 Great to hear your working towards introducing MTB/XC/, DS and DH to Paralympics! I'm in a similar situation as yourself after a Irish national DH race in 2004 with a burst fracture at C5 and incomplete SCI. Ended up with Brown Sequard Syndrome which is a super rare SCI, basically with normal strength on my left side but weakness on my right. No right triceps and can't move my wrist but I can close my hand so good enough to grip a handlebar once I have a wrist splint on! Resonates with me what you say about enjoying biking even more and feels like a gift. So lucky to still be able to get on the bike and get down the trails even though I can't push any where as hard as before the injury, its still pure bliss. So good to see Brook walking relatively quickly but like you suggest more than likely some form of neurological issues might remain. The dude will definitely end up back on his mtb and will be riding to his maximum capability for sure.
  • 1 0
 @conhayes: Wow, that’s so cool to hear about your riding! I hadn’t heard of Brown Sequard Syndrome before, but I’d heard about similar symptoms — so incredible that you’re riding and loving it! Will letcha know if/when we get any UK DH / DS / XC Paracycling races going =)
  • 1 0
 @WRCDH: Yeah do let me know if any paracycling races turn up locally, good stuff!
  • 2 0
 @conhayes: I have brown sequard syndrome too. When I sustained my full brachial plexus avulsion I also damaged C3-T1 (incomplete, thankfully). My sequard has left me with no temperature sensation in my left leg and a calf that doesn't always fire in the sequence it should. And of course my right arm is completely paralysed. Good to hear you still ride.

Brook is a great guy, and I'm sure he's going to make a recovery good enough to ride again.
  • 1 0
 @TommyWilkinson: Whoa — that’s a wild injury...such a unique and challenging combination of neurological deficits. How long ago was your injury? Have you found ways to get your adrenaline fix, or otherwise satisfy or substitute your need for speed / adventure / the freedom of riding?
  • 1 0
 @TommyWilkinson: Or are you still able to ride? Would love to hear about it, if so! I do some work with prosthetics and orthotics and whatnot, so I’m always keen to learn about how people improvise to improve / broaden their abilities!
  • 1 0
 @WRCDH: Wow - thank you for sharing. You are a technological marvel! I hope that both you and Brook find full strength once again.
  • 2 0
 @WRCDH: sorry - I just got this! Yes, I still ride and I was a WC DH photographer for a couple of years. I now make films pretty much wholly in the mtb industry, so I’m still involved and organise an enduro race which is pretty fun!

Riding is tricky - I’ve broken my paralysed arm twice in the six years I’ve had the injury! So I’m now fairly cautious.

Phantom pain also took some mitigating - but a combination of magnesium, vitamin B and vitamin D have kept me off the pain killer drugs.

The prosthetist side is something I’m very interested in, and have tried a few. Have you seen Tom Wheelers stuff?
  • 1 0
 @TommyWilkinson: hey just saw this today! I actually follow you on instagram, didn't realize you have brown sequard too! Saw clips of you riding...looked pretty hardcore what you were doing with just one arm!! You do have to be super careful cause it can go bad pretty quickly if you go down on the wrong side...
  • 37 2
 Should Red Bull, Mondraker, Maxxis, Fox, and Alpine Stars not be looking after all of their athletes expenses inc medical costs?
  • 9 17
flag laxguy (Oct 8, 2019 at 13:57) (Below Threshold)
 what exactly do you expect them to do?
  • 44 8
 @laxguy: Pay for his medical expenses,jesus that wasn't hard.
  • 22 6
 Or rider buy their own insurance like most of us???
  • 8 0
 @laxguy: I don't know much about the structure of the UCI, but they seem to have quite a large Elite level athlete pool. They could use their size to create an insurance program much in the way that businesses large and small do to cover their employees. Athletes already pay a fee to the UCI in order to race the events, their share of the cost of insurance could be an additional fee and I'm sure that most athletes would be able to negotiate that their team or sponsors would contribute to whatever that costs.

Surely, the actual process would be much more complicated than this due to the variety of countries the riders call home, but if the sports federations actually cared about athletes as humans rather than a product, I'm sure some smart pencil pusher could sort through all the red tape.
  • 3 0
 @laxguy: not trying to argue, but just posit a question about athletes and insurance: if a player for Real Madrid suffers a similar injury, who pays for the medical treatment?

Maybe Real Madrid handles the initial treatment at the stadium, then you're basically on your own? I honestly don't know. My understanding for professional American football is that team is handling the medical expenses while you're on the team. Here's what their benefits package says:

" These benefits provide financial payouts and assistance to players who are rendered disabled by injuries suffered as a result of football-related and even non-football related activities while an NFL player. "

"With regards to medical coverage, 100% of all in-network medical costs are covered for a player and his dependents. The annual deductible for medical insurance is $600 per player and $1200 per family and coverage will extend beyond a player’s playing career with extended post-career medical and dental benefits up to a maximum of $500,000 annually per NFL team. "

Now of course the financial model for American professional football is substantially different than most sports, especially something like WC DH, but its interesting to me that the players aren't expected to need their own individual insurance policies (although I'm sure some add on supplemental coverage as well on their own dime).

Imo, I think if you're on a factory team, UCI should require said team to put the rider on a baller insurance policy given what is expected of them. Of course that may mean a little less salary for the rider or even the lack of sponsorship for some riders, but it sucks they're not covering things like this.

FWIW, Oakley picked a huge part of Lances medical tab when he was battling cancer, so perhaps theres hope that Redbull or a similarly deep pocketed sponsor will help out.
  • 12 12
 @laxguy: Does your employer offer you medical insurance? No? Get a better job.
  • 3 1
 @jackalope: if you play for real madrid you can pay your own medical bills no problem, and probably take a private jet to see the world's leading specialist in whatever type of injury you have. And then pay for the best in recovery technology such as air chambers and the best rehabilitation. Last time i checked there werent salary caps in european football, which is how you get super teams like Real Madrid
  • 2 0
 @jackalope: hard to compare other pro sports. Players in spots like football or basketball or soccer are being paid to play the game. Mountain bikers are not technically being paid to ride, they are sponsored. They are being paid to ride a certain bike or wear a certain product.

When a player gets hurt in regular sports it’s under the direct supervision of the team. A player is out there playing the position the team tells them to, running the plays the team tells him too, wearing the equipment regulated by the league, etc.

A sponsored rider is quite different. They are pretty much independent to do what they want. A rider can go as big and as fast as he wants. There’s no company coach telling him what what lines he has to take or what features to hit etc. All this makes the question of responsibility for injuries a lot less clear in sponsor driven sports.
  • 3 5
 wow, ya'll jumping down my throat for asking a question. but apparently you guys all have the answers so cool, thanks for enlightening me. its apparently as easy as "redbull, heres a bill for 100,000+$, pay now bitch"...
  • 4 9
flag thesharkman (Oct 9, 2019 at 16:48) (Below Threshold)
 @rideonjon: the riders know what they're getting when they sign on. Why should companies change it after a crash? Don't sign up then.
  • 9 1
 @thesharkman: Nice attitude, pretty in line with the rest of your comments on pinkbike.Coarse and negative.
  • 23 1
 Not only is he walking...he’s sporting a pimp strut!!
  • 16 0
 Scrolling through the donor list:

Jean Girard 12 hours ago
Keep working and smiling my bro ! Lot of thought for both of you. strength with you

Amaury? Hilarious. And awesome to see these riders supporting each other. Injury is not fun, and sometimes scary - it's amazing to see Brook so positive.
  • 1 0
 tough ass m-f*cker...seeing his positive attitude brought a tear to my eye...been a fan since way back...so good to see!
  • 15 0
 By all means support Brooke, seems a great guy. But he will be getting ACC cover www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/injuries-we-cover/what-we-cover/?smooth-scroll=content-after-navs All NZers, even if injuried overseas, and all visitors while in NZ get all the medical bills , physio etc and 80% of the pre injury income paid through a government funded no-fault system . Probably the best thing about the NZ medical system
  • 2 0
 Depends what his actual income is as opposed to product/ services provided to him by sponsors. And if it's bonuses not salary as such. For example, not sure Red Bull pay anything as such, but provide trainers, physio, dietitian etc so their athletes don't have to worry about that. There have been a few comments/stories recently about pay rates for DH racers and how they generally aren't that high. It may be that they need his partners income day to day, and ACC don't cover her loss of income to provide care.
  • 3 0
 True he will be getting some ACC support but not 100% of his medical treatment is covered. You still have to pay a percentage and things like travel for his family and their time is in no way covered.
  • 7 0
 Absolutely amazing - keep smashing it Brook. Crazy to think that any one of us could suffer this kind of injury at any moment while out riding. Enjoy the ride, be grateful every moment and never take anything for granted.
  • 7 0
 The peoples champ. Miraculous recovery so far and an inspiration for us all to never give up. It's such a great sight seeing Brook happy and killing his rehab.
  • 8 0
 Tough as nails that guy. Meanwhile, the rock he hit has had to be put down. They couldn't glue all the pieces back together.
  • 4 0
 Does this all mean that professional mountain bikers cant get private insurance for when they travel to races? And what about the Mondraker team? would it not be in the teams interest to have insurance for their riders or at least some kind of paid into medical plan? As for RedBull, Id be willing to guess that their help will come later when he's closer to being ready to compete and they help him out with all their sports science folks and what not that they have on staff... not saying they shouldn't help now but thats my guess with where RedBull stands on this.

weird world we live in
  • 4 0
 Great to see you up and walking so soon. Looking forward to seeing you rampage downhill on Redbull TV again. Remember, Bulldog steps to begin with..... take care
  • 2 0
 It’s not about how much insurance coverage he should or does have, donating is about helping the guy out so that he can get the best recovery program possible. Who says he’s not getting help from his sponsors? The reality is we all know how insurance companies love to nickel and dime you over every little issue that comes up during a claim. If my donation helps him get an extra hour of therapy or helps him pay his cell phone bill that’s a win.
  • 1 2
 The whiny kids probably would vote for AOC or Bernie Sanders. Can't have responsibilities yourself!
  • 3 1
 It's great to see Brook pedaling around.

1) I'd like to see the teams have a short term/ long term disability insurance plan as a requirement or simply removed from one's salary so it's always there. I don't want to knock a man when he is down, but it's not the general public's responsibility to cover an individual when you are living the dream on your own accord and shit happens; no more than it's the responsibility of the public to pay for my injuries for the decisions that I made, and there have been plenty, all financially crippling.
2) Brook won't be the same, mentally or physically. I had a similar injury and it really effects your 'edge'. I know he will try again, everyone does, but the results and the will to hang it out won't be there in my experience.

Good luck Brook!
  • 2 0
 Hopefully one day I'll have Stem cell money, not implying he's rich like that. But if I was an athlete for Red Bull, fox racing ect. risking my life just to promote the selling of bikes, I would expect them to pick up the bill. Hopefully he ain't paying out of his pocket. Bikes, bike parts are selling and these athletes are the cause of it, they sell people a fantasy with their blood, sweat and fears.
  • 6 0
 Heal up soon Bulldog!!!
  • 5 0
 Awesome Brook! Inspiration and determination all in one strut!
  • 1 0
 I’m so impressed. You inspire me Brook. I tore my patellar tendon last November and didn’t know and was misdiagnosed for many months. I just had a surgical repair. 2 year rehab. What I lost was my positivity. I LOVE seeing Brook’s positivity. Keep it up.
  • 1 0
 It’s weird for profissional athletes to worry about money to recovery from injuries,just imagine a recreational person who loves to ride and sometimes shit happens,just sad but it is what it is ,the best for you brook,and you are not gonna escape that gym bike exercise :-))
  • 1 0
 Incredibly inspirational to see such a show of inner strength and fortitude from Brook and the way he is progressing in such a short time. His positive attitude and mental strength is at the same level on and off the bike. Amazing. Can't wait to see him come back and crush
  • 1 0
 So im guessing he not only had to have vertebrae fused using titanium rods, but also suffered some nerve damage? I broke my T12 vertabrae and had my L1 to T11 fused with titanium rods. Luckily no nerve damage and i was walking around ICU the day after surgery. They told me 6-12 months to fully heal, but i was fully healed in 3 months. I totally believe that was because i moved from high altitude back to sea level with more oxygen and surplus of red blood cells, plus ive always just healed fast. That was 7 years ago and it hasnt really effected me since in terms of pain, strength, range of motion, or holding me back. Although surgeons did say that where i broke it and fused was the best location because the middle of the back is the least flexible/dynamic part of the spine. The one area it did change me is mentally though especially compared to other major injuries i had suffered. I still do high risk activities, but nowhere near as carelessly as I did before as it definitely opens your eyes as to whats really important to you - like being able to still walk and feel below your waste. Here's hoping Brook can make a similar, swift full recovery both physically and mentally. HANG IN THERE BROOK AND STAY POSITIVE!!!
  • 1 0
 I think HIS medical treatment expenses are covered but the funding request is to cover his girlfriend's expenses? If she wasn't stepping up, would there be a carer provided through insurance / health care? Bit of a mirky situation!
  • 1 0
 Brook could apply for a nurse/carer, but it would likely be only available for a few hours a day, and it would totally be luck of the draw as to who you got (could be some old cantankerous woman going "you're too old for riding them pushy-me-cicles, serves you jolly right....now, back in my day...")

But yes, the give a little page is to help out Lucy whom has had to take unpaid leave and/or quit her job to look after Brook...an unpaid position! Just like UK NHS, the NZ health care system and ACC is meaning that the majority of Brook's healthcare is paid for (he's likely only paying $5 for a medicine prescription for pain killers, if anything, but will pay for GP visits (about $40-50NZD) once he leaves the spinal unit).
  • 2 1
 Whilst its fine to air opinions about the state of things and insurance and Redbull and Mondraker, its not actually helping Brook.
I doubt that they will read the comments and go 'Wow, all those people are right. He shouldn't need to do this. Lets back his recovery 100%".
Go and click a donation through to him and then move on knowing that you have done something positive.
  • 1 0
 Just a bunch of kids that don't understand how the world works. Redbull isn't so shortsighted to not have terms and conditions regarding injuries when sponsoring extreme sport athletes.

They just want to push away responsibility. They just point fingers at the "people above".
  • 1 0
 Got tears in my eyes reading this. I was at MSA this year and have been super worried about Brook since. My dad was injured in a cycling accident two years ago, has a spinal cord injury, and my husband and I cared for him exclusively for some time. It was one of the most difficult times of my life. Knowing full well all the challenges that Brook and Lucy have faced (and that moving forward requires immense strength and dedication), I am so proud of both of them. Lucy's commitment to Brook and Brook's commitment to recovery are admirable. Brook and Lucy, we'll be thinking of you and rooting for you!
  • 1 0
 Shurly all the pro riders can afford injurie insurance with the wages/sponsorship that thay get , iv got injury insurance it doesn't pay loads but its better than ssp. If red bull sponsor you what do thay do just drop of a few crates of rats piss at you door and say sell it at a car boot mate????.
  • 1 0
 These guys have some off the charts physical therapists. How is it that they heal in matter of weeks?? Please brook if you are there, send me those Contact details to get myself checked aswell.
Stoked to see you back on a bike!
  • 2 0
 so happy to see Brook up and moving around, every time he posts on instagram it brings a smile to my face. keep strong Brook, you got this!~!
  • 1 1
 i dont quiet understand how come he doesn't have insurances. even more a shame that the team doesn't pay for all this and sponsor too. i had a crash in the state over 3000$ in hospital bill. 6 months out of work into rehab.

iam grateful i had insurance to cover everything.

Amen
  • 1 0
 Really happy to see his progress!!! Though, as much as I hope to be wrong, I’m a bit hard to believe he will be able to charge again in the DH field...
  • 3 0
 Hell yeah!!! Get some Brook! Keep it moving forward and positive!
  • 2 1
 I'm not sure it's silly enough for the ministry of silly walks to approve Razz

Glad he's recovering and seems to be in good spirits with a sense of humor Smile
  • 1 0
 Sooooo glad to see even the smallest steps. Heal up buddy and get back to kick some asses! We love your riding but for now we love your walking or your way back to normal.
  • 2 1
 I think the UCI and Mont.Ste Anne (who by the way makes a piss pot full of money for that week) should kick in a little something for that debacle of a rescue on the course.
  • 1 0
 Brands that 'sponsor' athletes until they're injured and force them to seek charitable assistance don't deserve your support. Full stop.
  • 2 0
 1) They have a contract. He signed with agreed upon terms. They are legally bound to fulfill those terms. Brook OK'd it.
2) He understands the risks of racing DH at the WC level. He should have had insurance/a plan in case the worst happens.
3) He is not entitled to more money from his sponsors just because he crashed. With the amount of negative press Redbull is getting, do you think they will bother sponsoring riders in the future that aren't consistently at the highest level of the field/winning races?
4) Did you donate?
5) Why are you brow-beating others if you haven't? Probably because you didn't donate.
  • 2 2
 What a bad ass!!!! He wasn't even on an ebike!!! Now, what do you have to say guys that need ebikes because it "helps get you out on the trail"? Brook was paralyzed recently and he's pedaling! What an animal!
  • 2 0
 This is great to see, brings tears to my eyes. Heal up!
  • 1 0
 Great to see the bulldog back on his feet. One of the best loved characters in DH. Here's to a speedy recovery Brook!!!
  • 3 0
 Great to see good stuff
  • 1 0
 Hey Brook, will drop round some beers when your home Smile that always helps me in recovery ! Chur
  • 1 0
 Awesome! You are doing great Brook! Thanks for posting stuff, and PB(I dont use FB or IG). But this made my day!
  • 1 0
 Good to see Brook waking, thought that would see him on a exercise bike first, but walking Great!
  • 2 0
 He's been on a recumbent exercise bike so far.... it's in his insta-feed Smile
  • 1 0
 As soon as these MTB athletes sign with an agent, they get dropped by sponsors!
  • 1 0
 @brookmacdonald: DUUUUUUUUDDDDEEEEE!!!!!! I AM SOOOOOOO f*ckING PUMPED FOR YOU!!!!
  • 1 0
 Wow! Great thing to see while sipping my morning coffee! Perfect way to start a Wednesday morning! Go Brook!
  • 1 0
 Waaaay to go Bulldog!!! You fackin rule!!
  • 1 0
 I scratch my knee and am off the bike for longer than Brook. Awesome news.
  • 1 0
 Some much needed positivity.
  • 1 0
 Brook, you tough c#nt, well done, buddy!
  • 1 0
 Looks good Brook. These are all good signs.
  • 1 0
 nearly got emotional there when I saw it on Instagram...
  • 1 0
 The smile on ur face is all I need today, Bulldog. Thank You.
  • 2 0
 FK YEAH!
  • 1 0
 Look at that smile! Dude is an inspiration for sure. Tough as nails!
  • 1 0
 So glad to see him doing better!
  • 1 0
 Just look at that smile!!
  • 1 0
 It's true once you learn to ride a bike you never forget Smile 3
  • 1 0
 Awesome news! This is what makes all of us smile!!!
  • 1 0
 love this.
such a contagious smile Smile
  • 2 2
 I hope they had 15 helicopters on standby during his first ride to avoid controversy
  • 2 0
 And it's not an E-BIKE !
  • 1 0
 Stem cells would speed up the process
  • 1 0
 sweet bro. Best news in a while. Love that smile. awesome
  • 1 0
 That's great ! Keep it up !
  • 1 0
 Go Brook, yeah!!
  • 2 3
 some one call red bull and fix this he should be sleeping on a money covered bed
  • 1 0
 1) They have a contract. He signed with agreed upon terms. They are legally bound to fulfill those terms. Brook OK'd it.
2) He understands the risks of racing DH at the WC level. He should have had insurance/a plan in case the worst happens.
3) He is not entitled to more money from his sponsors just because he crashed. With the amount of negative press Redbull is getting, do you think they will bother sponsoring riders in the future that aren't consistently at the highest level of the field/winning races?
4) Did you donate?
5) Why are you brow-beating others if you haven't? Probably because you didn't donate.
  • 1 0
 Go Brook !!!
  • 2 2
 Why arent redbull covering this?? Disgraceful
  • 1 0
 1) They have a contract. He signed with agreed upon terms. They are legally bound to fulfill those terms. Brook OK'd it.
2) He understands the risks of racing DH at the WC level. He should have had insurance/a plan in case the worst happens.
3) He is not entitled to more money from his sponsors just because he crashed. With the amount of negative press Redbull is getting, do you think they will bother sponsoring riders in the future that aren't consistently at the highest level of the field/winning races?
4) Did you donate?
5) Why are you brow-beating others if you haven't? Probably because you didn't donate.
  • 1 0
 Yes Brook!
  • 1 2
 How pathetic to be relying on charity when his sponsors should covering his health care
  • 1 0
 1) They have a contract. He signed with agreed upon terms. They are legally bound to fulfill those terms. Brook OK'd it.
2) He understands the risks of racing DH at the WC level. He should have had insurance/a plan in case the worst happens.
3) He is not entitled to more money from his sponsors just because he crashed. With the amount of negative press Redbull is getting, do you think they will bother sponsoring riders in the future that aren't consistently at the highest level of the field/winning races?
4) Did you donate?
5) Why are you brow-beating others if you haven't? Probably because you didn't donate.
  • 1 0
 Yeah buoy! Do it Brook.
  • 1 0
 Yes!!!!!
  • 1 0
 Beautiful !
  • 1 0
 Have it!!!
  • 1 0
 Go Go Go !
  • 1 2
 Lousã 2020 waint for you ????????????
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