Tough at the top: Lyndon Snodgrass reveals his biggest rivalries

Sitting second in the E1 class, Lyndon Snodgrass (KTM Enduro Racing Team) looms as a genuine contender for the E1 2019 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship. Hailing from the Yarra Valley in country Victoria, the 21-year-old is fresh off claiming Round 7 at Broken Hill and will be hard to beat when the tour heads to Coonalpyn, South Australia for rounds 8 and 9 from August 31 to September 1.

Coming off the win at Broken Hill, you must have enjoyed the desert course considering you thrived in the conditions?

Yeah, it was good up there in Broken Hill in the dry and dusty conditions due to the drought, but overall it was great fun. I managed to get through clean without making any mistakes, so I couldn’t ask for a better result.

Do you consider yourself a desert specialist?

I don’t mind riding those courses knowing I’d be strong there, so I do enjoy the faster stuff, but I wouldn’t consider myself a desert specialist.

What’s the key to doing well in those conditions?

I think with it being a longer race you need to be fit and stay focused during the faster sections. I’ve done a few three-hour cross-country events this year, so I’ve had a bit of base. Cycling and gym work are parts of my preparation. Also, you need to make sure you don’t make any mistakes because if you fall off, you’re in trouble.

Heading into Rounds 8 & 9 at Coonalpyn, South Australia, how are you feeling with another sand round to come?

I’m looking forward to Coonalpyn because some friends own the land (the event will be held on) and it’s a pretty cool property. I can’t wait to get up there, see them and have a race in their backyard. The racing should be really good.

You have been on the podium 5 out of 7 rounds this Championship and got the win twice, what do you feel is key to remaining at the top of the standings and who do you see as you biggest threats?

The E1 class is very competitive, so when I’ve had a bad weekend I’ve missed the podium twice. To stay on the podium is tough, so I need to stay focused and have things go right to have a good weekend. (Luke) Styke is leading the Championship and going well, and you can’t take anything away from Fraser (Higlett) and (Michael) Driscoll because they’re riding awesomely, too. But Styke is the biggest threat at the moment.

Are you starting to build a healthy rivalry with Styke?

Yeah, a little bit. He’s fun to race against because he’s such a great rider, so there’s obviously a rivalry there.

What at your goals for the remaining part of the year?  

The goals for the remainder of the year is to stay at the top (E1 AORC), which will be tough but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’ve also got the ISDE (Junior World Trophy) coming up, so I’m excited about that. Hopefully, I go over (to Portugal) and do well, which would be good.

How do you think the Australian ISDE Junior World Trophy team will perform?

It’s hard to say with all the best riders in the world in attendance, but I think we should be in the mix to take the trophy home. I’ve some great teammates, so it will be great to get over there and see where we’re at.