Thank God the off-season is here to allow riders from the various world championships to take a break and bounce back after a demanding racing calendar. Some even went to the hospital and under the knife.

Tony Elias (Photo: Moto GP)

Valentino Rossi had a shoulder surgery following a mid-season crash on a dirt bike, while Moto2 world champion Toni Elias got screws removed from his hand and ankle.

Cal Crutchlow (Photo: Moto GP)

Just like Rossi, Cal Crutchlow, the 2009 Supersport world champion and current MotoGP rider, also received an arthroscopic surgery to alleviate the pain in his shoulder resulting from a bad fall at his first-ever WSBK race. However, it happened a full month after the Italian's and the doctors ordered a three-month recovery, meaning Crutchlow likely won't be in top shape for the MotoGP testing sessions in Sepang next February. Fortunately, the Brit has access to his own specialized training room, so expect him to arrive in Malaysia with more than a fighting chance to put pressure on the leaders.

After a month of rehab, Rossi already seems fully back and ready to hit the gym and the pool for some serious work-out. Both Ducati and the Tifosi are anxious to see how the boastful rider performs on a Desmosedici, hoping that the new relationship will taste nothing but sweet.

Meanwhile in the WSBK...
The Portimao sessions in November haven't produced the desired results. Rain completely spoiled this ultra-important day for all WSBK teams. James Toseland and Troy Corser saw little to no action, while the famously-fearless Ruban Xaus shined on his new Honda CBR1000RR Ten Kate, recording the fastest non-official time ahead of Haslam (BMW), his teammate Rea and Fabrizio (Suzuki).

Mother Nature also made things complicated for Aprilia and Yamaha in the land down under. Once the track dried up, defending champ Max Biaggi rode his newly-upgraded RSV4 faster than anyone else, edging Eugene Laverty on a Yamaha R1. Camier and Melandri maintained about the same pace and finished third and fourth, respectively.

On the second day at Philip Island, Laverty came in first followed by Biaggi. Does that mean the two-time Supersport runner-up will seriously threaten Aprilia next season? It's too early to tell. However, with the first race scheduled for late February in Australia, teams have their work cut out for them. At least they got a feel of the new Pirelli rain tires...

Eugene Laverty (Photo: Eugene Laverty.com)