There has been great Christmas Day news coming out of Belgium as the country’s two most decorated motocross stars have issued updates on their illnesses and both look positive.

Joel Robert, the six-time world 250 champion, has revealed he has now left hospital after an operation to amputate part of his right leg below the knee after a ten-year battle with diabetes. Next year Robert plans to move to the USA to be curator of a new motocross museum that has lots of works bikes including some of his own.

And there’s more good news from Belgium as ten-times world champ Stefan Everts has started rehabilitation after being struck down by malaria, but is still in intensive care in hospital

A statement from the family reads: “Everts started with his rehabilitation yesterday. Compared to the worrying condition of a few weeks ago, he’s already doing much better. Although he is still in the intensive care of the UZ in Leuven, he is already getting out of bed and can already walk a little. 

The state of his health had deteriorated so much that he was in danger for a long time. However, studies last week showed that neither his brain nor his organs suffered permanent damage due to the malaria attack. About the duration of his stay on intensive care and his rehabilitation is not yet certain.

“He realises after a good conversation with the professors in Leuven that he escaped the worst. ‘That I’m still here is my most beautiful Christmas present,’ he said.

“Stefan and his family want to thank all the people for the huge support they got in the last few weeks and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. In new developments, the family – who is now looking to focus on Stefan’s rehabilitation – will again communicate through a press release.”

We send our best wishes and thoughts to Stefan and Joel at this tough time and hope to see them back at the track soon.