Max Nagl’s remarkable run with the red plate has finally come to an end after more than three and a half seasons at the top, but the experienced German fighting spirit remains unshaken.
The multiple-brand race winner and holeshot king endured a tough weekend in Gaildorf, but his struggles weren’t down to poor form on the bike. Instead, Nagl revealed he’s been battling a flare-up of a long-standing health issue — a complication from a bacterial infection contracted during knee surgery in 2019 — which has severely impacted his performance and training.
Nagl posted the following update on social media:
3 seasons and the 3/4 of the 4th season. That’s how long I had continuously the red plate. 3 different brands, many holeshots and trophies behind me. But nothing lasts forever of course. I’m not sad, a little bit disappointed because the reason of losing is not bad riding, but my health.
In 2019 I contracted a bacteria, staphylococcus aureus, during my knee surgery, it was a life threatening encounter and forced me to give up my racing in MXGP. I went through a very aggressive antibiotic treatment and I wouldn’t wish that even for my enemies. This bacteria never leaves the body and it can flare up again any time. And before Tenseld it did. It comes with extreme high blood pressure, hyperventilation, muscle pain and total loss of energy.
I found out after several appointments, heart echo, blood tests, lung echo that this is the possible cause behind my physical symptoms. Between Tensfeld and Gaildorf I was not allowed to do heavy training, especially bike training and even though I was already in a treatment not much has changed.
I continue with some more checks and treatments for now and I really hope that by the next race I can be back to my normal and healthy self. Although that would be amazing but I have to be realistic. So for now I want to thank everybody who stood by me in the last couple of weeks, my family, my friends, my team and my sponsors. Not giving up yet, it’s just a detour on the road, not the destinaztion.
