Former Australian motocross champion Kirk Gibbs has declared his dissatisfaction in falling short to current points leader Dean Ferris (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy Team) on too many occasions, expressing his strong desire to stand atop the podium and ultimately demote the number one.

The KTM Motocross Racing Team member pieced together a consistent 2-2 scorecard at Newry’s opening round of the Pirelli MX Nationals, signifying a strong start to his bid for a second national title.

Since clinching the 2015 crown, Gibbs has been a self-described bridesmaid in the series to Ferris, who dominated the championship in 2017 and started this year’s campaign in the same way, collecting two race wins in Victoria.

“I was confident going in and in moto one I got a good start, was able to swap positions for the lead a number of times and I was right there until I suffered from a little bit of arm-pump and crossed the line second in the end,” Gibbs explained.

“That was a bit disappointing, but anyway, we went into the second moto and they’d put a lot of water down, so I was a little hesitant in the first couple of laps. I was really happy with the way I was riding following that though, we were doing the same lap-times at the front and that makes it hard to bridge the gap.

“I’m happy in a lot of ways, just have to work on a couple of things and it will all come together. I’ve been bridesmaid a few times now and I really want to get back on the top step, so I’m going to work really hard over the next couple of weeks and get set for Appin.”

Appin’s second round of the MX Nationals is set to be hosted on 29 April in New South Wales, which sees Gibbs enter the event six points in arrears to two-time defending champion Ferris.