Image: Octopi Media.

An ongoing thumb injury will rule Cole Davies out of the 2025 Boost Mobile AUSX Open in Melbourne on November 22, with organisers announcing that he is still recovering from surgery on a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).

Davies, 18, was set for a highly-anticipated return to Australia following a breakout Monster Energy SMX World Championship campaign, in which he claimed two 250SX West main event wins and finished third in the final standings.

A major incident during qualifying at the Salt Lake City Supercross finale saw him sidelined for the majority of Pro Motocross with multiple injuries, before a damaged UCL at SMX Playoff 1 in Charlotte ultimately derailed his post-season.

Surgery following the Las Vegas SMX Final repaired the injury, however, it’s been revealed today that he is still experiencing significant pain and swelling, which will keep the New Zealander from his previously announced SX2 entry.

“Following surgery to repair his thumb injury sustained in Charlotte, Cole attempted to return to riding, but continued to experience significant pain and swelling,” a social media post on the official AUSX Open accounts confirmed.

“After further evaluation, he has been declared unfit to race and will not return to a competitive level in time for the event.”

It’s a tough blow for the high-profile event, with Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Julien Beaumer also ruled out of his scheduled Australian appearance as he continues to rebuild from a back injury – the team not expecting his return until next year’s Pro Motocross Championship.

No replacements have been confirmed for Davies or Beaumer at this stage, with brothers Jett and Hunter Lawrence set to headline the event that doubles as round four of the Australian championship.