KTM Off-Road Racing Team rider Tye Simmonds has opened his 2016 campaign by winning the annual Deep Well motocross, south of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.

The event is famous for subjecting its competitors to tough racing conditions, with three 35-40 minute motos through rough terrain and in temperatures known to reach 50 degrees celsius.

Just three weeks back into serious preparation for this year’s racing calendar, Simmonds reminded competitors why he is widely regarded as one of the most naturally talented and toughest riders on the circuit, powering to three race wins from three starts to successfully defend last year’s title.

“We were pretty lucky again with the weather, I think it was only 36 or 38 out there, not 40 or 45 degrees like it normally is,” said Simmonds. “The big 500 she was on fire all day today. I felt pretty good, my fitness is coming along.

“The Honda boys kept me really honest in the first one, but in the second one I got a little bit of breathing room, then in the third one I got another holeshot, put down two really hard laps and got a fairly decent lead and got through with the win fairly easy.”

Simmonds admits returning to a serious training schedule was a shock to the system, but feels confident with his 2016 preparations following victory on his first outing for the year.

“The first week at the gym was a bit hard but were already starting to make a bit of progress,” he added. “We’re already in a better place than they were last year, and it’s good to start the year with wins.”

Continuing his 2016 campaign preparations, the former pro-motocrosser will now head south for some practice and testing on the road to Finke this week.