Image: Octopi Media.

Red Bull KTM will be absent from the 250MX field at Washougal, with Tom Vialle sidelined after experiencing pain in his knee and shoulder following his heavy crash in moto two at Spring Creek.

Vialle charged to P6 in moto one after a mid-field start at Millville, before a heavy first lap incident entering the sand rollers put the 24-year-old out of the race.

It has been announced by KTM that Vialle will miss this Saturday’s Washougal National and take advantage of the two weekends off before the final three Pro Motocross rounds at Ironman, Unadilla, and Budds Creek.

“It’s definitely unfortunate to announce that Tom Vialle will be sitting out this weekend’s race,” explained Red Bull KTM team manager Ian Harrison. “It’s a long and demanding season for our riders, and we’ve been extremely fortunate up to this point to have had a full roster through the majority of Supercross and Pro Motocross.

“Of course, we love seeing our entire team out on the track representing the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing program, but our riders’ health and safety always come first. We fully support Tom’s decision to take the weekend off so he can focus on finishing the season strong and continuing to fight for podiums.”

Vialle is positioned fifth in this year’s 250MX standings following seven of 11 rounds, with a pair of P2 overall results at both High Point and Southwick marking his best results of the series to date. He is also currently positioned third in the SuperMotocross World Championship (SMX) points.

The reigning two-time 250SX East champion joins teammates Aaron Plessinger and Julien Beaumer on the sidelines, with Chase Sexton the sole representative for the factory KTM organization entering the eighth round of the outdoors this weekend.