Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing’s Justin Barcia has been named as the first international rider for the 2018 Monster Energy AUS-X Open, set be hosted inside Sydney’s Qudos Bank Arena on 10 November.

The former two-time 250SX champion and AMA supercross/motocross contender is notorious for his aggressive riding style, which is only going to add to excitement of the all-new Triple Crown format that will be introduced at fourth edition of the prestigious event.

“I’ve been following the Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney since the first year back in 2015 and I’m pumped to head to Australia for the first time in my career,” Barcia commented. “The AUS-X Open demands perfection against the best riders on the planet and I have my sights set on one thing only, winning in Sydney.

“I’ve heard the event has some of the most insane fans and inside the stadium is deafening, and that’s the sort of racing environment I thrive off. It’d be insane to go up against CR (Chad Reed) at AUS-X, be faster than him and to hopefully beat him on home soil.

“I know the Australian talent that always comes over to the US are super quick so I’m pumped to see how they compete in their own backyard. I believe my aggressive racing style is best suited to the tight indoor track, and I think come November I’ll be ready to battle to the top step of the podium at this year’s AUS-X Open.”

AUS-X Open co-founder and director Adam Bailey is thrilled to reveal Barcia’s attendance, confirming he’s just the first of many international rider announcements in the coming weeks and months.

“We’re really pumped to have someone of Justin’s caliber competing at this year’s Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney,” said Bailey. “It’s always exciting when the world’s best come down under to compete especially for the first time, at our event.

“Justin is undoubtedly one of the greatest talents on two wheels and he brings with him a style and charisma that is sure to wow fans in Sydney on November 10.

“This announcement is the first of many world-class riders we have in store for this year’s event and we can’t wait to announce what we reckon will be the greatest lineup the AUS-X Open has seen to date.”

The Monster Energy AUS-X Open Sydney will incorporate the fifth and final round of the Australian Supercross Championship and is one of the largest supercross, FMX and action sports events in the world.