Serious injuries after collision in Stare Mesto
At the beginning of May, a dramatic incident occurred during a road race in Stare Mesto in the Czech Republic: David Datzer was hit in the back by another rider’s motorcycle. The injuries were so severe that doctors at the hospital in Zlín, Czech Republic, had to perform a complex operation to prevent him from ending up in a wheelchair permanently. The multiple IRRC podium rider spent several weeks in hospital and is now at home awaiting the start of his rehabilitation, which is due to begin at the end of June.
Criticism of the healthcare system – personal initiative in rehab
Datzer spoke openly on his Facebook page about his current situation – and his frustration: “If the German healthcare system, the insurance companies and the doctors leave you hanging and just send you from A to B, if the doctor’s report from the last few weeks isn’t even read properly to help you, then we’ll take the physio into our own hands first.”
In a private pool, Datzer tried his first movement exercises and made it clear how strenuous even the smallest progress is at the moment. He also emphasized that he felt well looked after with professional support – a therapist from the region.
Wave of support from the road racing scene
Parallel to the sporting events at the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, where Datzer was originally registered with start number 25 for the Roadhouse Macau Racing Team, several fundraising campaigns are running in the background. Friends, supporters and fans are mobilizing forces to give him the best possible rehabilitation stay.
A campaign on “gofundme” under the motto “Speedy Recovery” plays a central role in this. Within a short space of time, over €10,150 (approx. $11,000) was raised through 167 individual donations – exceeding the original target of €10,000 (approx. $10,850).
The campaign is organized by Alex, his “therapeutic fairy godmother”, among others. The campaign page states: “All of us who are connected to motorsport know that you can only insure yourself to a limited extent in the event of an emergency […] The business continues to run, as do the costs – and everything together quickly eats up your savings.”
The aim is to enable Datzer to stay at the Kinema rehabilitation and sports center. The programs offered there go far beyond the usual therapy – and are correspondingly expensive.
Solidarity on the Isle of Man too
The road racing community on the Isle of Man is also showing solidarity. Maria Keck, publisher of a German travel guide to the Tourist Trophy, initiated a sale of biker scarves to benefit Datzer. On Monday, June 2, cotton scarves in black and red – 90 x 90 cm in size, at a price of GBP 10 (approx. € 11.80 / $ 12.80) each – were offered for sale in front of the tent of sidecar legend Klaus Klaffenböck. All proceeds will be donated to the injured driver.
The campaign symbolizes the close bond between the road racing family – across national borders. “Oiso, pack ma’s o und hoifan zam!” – with these words, the community is calling for further support. The aim is not only to see Datzer back on a motorcycle soon, but above all to enable him to embrace his children again.