David McAllan has received the go ahead to race again only six weeks after his whole career was put in doubt after an accident at Swindon.
He sustained serious damage to his knee ligament and was told that he could be out for a year and indeed might not be able to ride again. After a remarkable recovery he could ride again within the next two weeks. He will have to use a permanent knee brace.
David found that most of his family were sceptical about the news after being told tales of gloom.
"That's why I asked the hospital to give me a letter of proof. My family didn't believe me because so many doctors said my injuries were so bad I wouldn't race again. I was told I would require an operation and that I could be sidelined for at least twelve months."
"But the swelling began to go down and the injury had healed on its own. I was supposed to use my crutches and keep the cast on but in truth I gave in with them. I went to see my local GP and he told me to walk without them. It's the best thing I could have done because it strengthened my muscles and ligaments. I also did a bit of swimming on Monarchs' southern tour and this helped to free up the muscles as well. I begin physiotherapy on Monday and I will have to wear a knee brace when I start competitive racing again. I also got a protestive suit to wear under my leathers."
McAllan refused to accept the possibility that he would not ride again despite everything he said publically:
"I never actually believed I would be finished, boredom healed me quicker. Howver I'm not out of the woods yet. I could jump on a bike and have problems with it. I want to get a few quiet practices in, not in front of anybody to start with."
"I don't want my first shot on a bike to be a Premier League match for Edinburgh. I don't think that would do me any good. I would prefer a few Conference League starts to get back into the swing of things."
"I am sure if Edinburgh still want me, and I am fully fit, I'll be back on a bike for them before the end of the season. I don't see a problem because Edinburgh, who have given me terrific support while I've been out, are still keen on me. I know it's not going to be easy to get back to the level I had reached before my crash."
"However, as long as my head is okay, and I don't think I've been affected mentally by the fall, I should be fine."
With Monarchs having signed James Birkinshaw on a short term contract there is no immediate pressure to bring David back prematurely. A few competitive matches for Linlithgow should have David fighting for a first team place towards the end of August if all goes well.