RYAN Shadbolt will step up to senior racing on Sunday.
The 17-year-old has been competing in the under 19s national titles but with the junior category by-passing Swan Hill for Round 6 of the series, the local rider has a chance to test himself against more experienced racers.
Shadbolt said it would be an important learning curve after some mixed form in the under 19s series.
“I’m not doing too well at the moment, I’ve had a few bad races… A couple of crashes and DNFs,” he said.
“My best result so far is the top 10, which is where I’d like to be at this stage.”
After taking up the sport at “about three or four” years of age, Shabolt started racing from about six.
This is his first year of national competition.
“It’s a big jump up. Everyone is keen to race against the top guys in Australia,” he said.
“It’s definitely a big learning curve when you’re in your first year but you’ve got to stick at it.”
Next year will be the last season Shadbolt will be eligible to compete in under 19s.
This weekend’s race in MX2 is therefore vital for his progress.
“The quality of riders in this class is pretty high — the top 10 are all pros,” he said.
“So the competition will be really good and it will a great experience to see where I’m at.”
