Now recovered from multiple injuries sustained in the opening half of 2019, a resurgent Brett Metcalfe scored a breakthrough podium at the weekend in Gympie, Queensland, for round six of the Pirelli MX Nationals.

The Penrite Honda Racing ace salvaged what he could in the first five stops of the series, however the six-week break in the championship allowed him adequately heal and ultimately return to his potential.

Metcalfe rode strongly all weekend in Queensland, finishing just shy of victory in race one following a spirited ride, while the final encounter saw him claw his way into the lead group where a four-rider battle unfolded, settling for fourth while being credited third overall.

“I am so happy for everyone on the team,” Metcalfe stated. “Everyone has been working hard and it paid off this weekend, it feels great to be back up there. It’s always reassuring when you get a good start and build a solid momentum as the day goes on. The break between rounds five and six has allowed my injury to heal so I am riding back to my potential.

“I battled back from a mediocre start and once I caught the lead group, it was tight and track condition made it difficult to pass anyone, the dust was intense so ultimately I took fourth. We have a couple of weeks to find some more pace and work on setup. I just want to win, simple as that and I can’t wait for round seven in Maitland.”

The South Australian is currently ranked seventh in the championship standings, with Gympie being his sole podium of the year so far.