A breakout performance in moto one of Murray Bridge’s Pirelli MX Nationals today has injected belief into MX1 rookie Jayden Rykers, the talented Western Australian ultimately finishing a career-best fourth overall.

Piloting Suzuki machinery, Rykers matched the pace of dominant victor Dean Ferris (Raceline KTM) during the opening half of the race one before succumbing to the pressure of Kirk Gibbs (CDR Yamaha Monster Energy), hanging onto to secure an incredible P3 result.

It’s a timely boost of confidence for the number three, who’s endured a challenging two years on the national circuit, and has since come into form, missing the podium today by a mere two points after completing moto two in fifth.

“I did have a little bit of a breakout ride with a third in that first moto,” Rykers explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I had a 4-5 at Wonthaggi, but it’s just a different feeling being in the top three. I got pulled along at quite a high speed in the first moto, so it’s good to check that off.

“I think it’s taken an adjustment to know that I should be up there – with the opportunities from the last two years with the Raceline team – they were awesome – I maybe just put too much pressure on myself. I’ve tamed things down this year – I’m working a fair bit, not riding as much, and I would say I’m not as fit I should be, just because of time at the moment.

“I can run the speed no dramas at all – for the opening laps of moto one, I was matching Ferris’ speed for six or seven laps. It’s a matter of confidence and getting the feeling that I do belong here. We’ll see how tomorrow goes as well.”

Rykers will return to the circuit tomorrow for round five the series, this weekend’s MX Nationals marking the championship’s first double-header of the season.