Victorian Adam Monea’s comeback to professional motocross took a major step upwards on Sunday as the Team Zero Seven Motorsports rider claimed an emphatic final moto win at Wanneroo’s fourth Monster Energy MX Nationals round.

After taking two seasons away from the pro ranks, Monea has proven a revalation in 2012 and cemented himself as one of the MX2 category’s leading contenders as he won the 30-minute moto to conclude the round.

With that result, which was his first moto victory since 2008, Monea climbed to third overall and handed the new-look team its first overall podium of the year.

“That was toughest track I’ve ridden on in a very long time, if not ever!” Monea said. “I just put my head down and focused on putting down solid laps. I could see on my pit board I was pulling a little lead, which helped my confidence.

“When I could feel myself getting tired towards the end, I knew the guys behind me would be hurting too.”

Earning his first win for the season, just four rounds into his comeback season is a breakthrough for Monea and the refreshed Zero Seven Motorsports team.

“I feel like I’ve been putting in the training and preparation for this season. It feels just awesome to be back in the winner’s circle and put the Zero Seven team on the podium for the round.

“I’ll do my best to keep the momentum going in Murray Bridge next week.”

Monea currently sits seventh in the MX2 class championship standings after four of 10 rounds, with just nine points separating him from a top three ranking in the series.