Phillips ready to ‘enjoy the ride’ at this year’s Yamaha A4DE
The 2016 Yamaha Australian Four Days Enduro will officially kick off tomorrow at Merrijig near Mansfield, Victoria, where competitors will head in to prologue to determine their starting order before Wednesday the 16th of November.
Australia has seen the return of many riders who have recently finished stints overseas including Daniel Milner, French Husqvarna mounted rider Mathias Bellino and most recently crowned 2016 World Enduro GP Champion, Tasmanian local Matthew Phillips, with the Motul Pirelli Sherco Factory Team.
After a couple of months off from an intense season in Europe, Matt has returned to compete in the infamous Yamaha A4DE bringing with him European mechanic and partner. Phillips has shared that his preparation has been limited, however, he is looking to have a fun and enjoyable week on the bike.
“The preparation has been limited as far as time spent on the bike and physical prep goes. I have had a few months off just to get over quite a good season and regroup for next year,” he started.
“As far as preparation this week goes, it was good having Thomas here – the mechanic from our team in Europe. He is over here and has bought with him an engine and suspension, so I have a really great bike and package for this week.
“I met the guys from the Sherco team here and they are really friendly and really helpful. I have gotten a really good vibe from those guys. It is always good to be home and catch up with old friends. It has been good to just relax.
“I am not here to do anything special this week so just be here and try and put a bit of pressure on the guys if I can, if not just be here and enjoy the ride,” he concluded.
With the bikes now parked in parc ferme for the evening and riders briefing done and dusted there is no stopping the 2016 Yamaha Australian Four Days competitors as they are now locked and loaded for four gruelling days of testing Victorian high country terrain at Merrijig this November 14th-19th.
To stay up to date with the latest news, information and results head to the Motorcycling Australia website. Like the AORC Facebook page and follow @aorc_ in Instagram.
Image courtesy of T. Spragg. Pictured Matthew Phillips on board his Sherco
