With round 1 of the Australian Motocross Championship done and dusted there was some good signs and a break into the top 20.

I got off to a steady start with qualifying on Saturday and was not 100% happy with my time. I struggled with some arm pump which held me back but 25^th was still going to get me a reasonable gate. The Albury Wodonga MCC done an amazing job with preparing the track and the ruts got deeper and rougher each race.

Moto 1- The gates dropped and I wicked up the tyre on the concrete start leaving me to play catch up. I pushed at the start and made a few passes in the opening laps, with the ruts so long and deep line choice was crucial. I had made my way up to 20^th position and then arm pump hit me in the dying laps but I managed to hold my position till the chequered flag waved.

Moto 2- A better jump out of the gate was promising but a wheel stand once again left me in the back half of the field from the start. After walking the track over the lunch break I had found some good new lines and this played much to my advantage as I was able to make multiple passes. I felt strong and was riding my own race and continued to look ahead and make passes. I was very happy come the end of the moto and sure of a good result. To my surprise 21^st (no points) which was disappointing but it goes to show how important the start is at this level of competition.

Moto 3- Much the same start as moto 2 and a similar result, a lot of the fast lines had changed and the track was a lot rougher. All that aside I felt solid and rode the moto strong till the finish, resulting in my best position on the day 18^th.

Overall 20^th, 21^st and 18^th resulted in 24^th for the meeting. I got a few positives out of round 1 and I now know that I need to improve my qualifying, starts and ruts. Between now and Canberra (Round 2) on the 19^th of April, I will train hard to improve these areas and aim for higher finishes in the two 30minute motos. Coming up this weekend is the Mildura Easter Powersports Weekend with the annual Arenacross again on the Saturday night. Hope to see you there!