Raceline Pirelli KTM’s Jayden Rykers broke through for a podium finish last weekend at Nowra’s sixth round of the Motul MX Nationals in New South Wales, his first of the 2017 season.

The Western Australian’s third place result marked the first time on the box since Conondale last year, breaking a 12-month dry spell after a troubling start to the year.

Rykers expressed his relief to lodge a 2-6 scorecard, acknowledging that a heavy crash in the dying stages of race two could’ve denied him of such a result.

“Today was my first time on the box since Conondale last year,” said Rykers. “It was a long dry spell and it’s been frustrating working and not getting the results. After my good moto result in the first one, I was desperate to back it up and get a podium.

“I had that bulldog, don’t-give-up attitude and kept that going. I would have been pretty sour if I didn’t end up getting on the box. I’m a bit concussed and feeling a bit rocky at the moment, but I’m happy.”

Currently eighth in the championship, the number three expects to build on his result in the final four rounds of the series in an effort to move through standings. Rykers’ next opportunity to display his newly-found form will be at Shepparton’s seventh round, set to take place on 16 July, in Victoria.