Reigning E2 champion Daniel Milner has reacted to the high-profile arrival of Todd Waters in the 2020 Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC), the title-favourite hopeful the MX Nationals MX1 champion can challenge him for victories.

It was confirmed today that Waters will perform double-duties in 2020 following months of speculation, where details revealed he’ll contest the E2 category aboard a Husqvarna Motorcycles Australia-supported FE 450.

KTM Enduro Racing Team’s Milner believes Waters’ entering the off-road scene will offer the sport a boost, while he’s anticipating the former MXGP World Championship regular to be competitive from the beginning.

“To be honest, I think it’s awesome he’s coming over to race off-road,” Milner declared to MotoOnline.com.au. “In the past, we’ve gone over and done a lot of motocross, so to finally have a really high-profile motocross rider come over is awesome.

“He’ll be strong for sure – he’s one of those riders than can adapt to anything – he’s been over racing in Europe and America. He’s definitely going to be a strong competitor, and it will be sick if he can jump up to our pace straight away and run with myself and [Daniel] Sanders for the outright.

“If he can battle me for E2 wins, it will make it interesting. Having a new face who will be fast and competitive will help make our sport bigger and more enjoyable. I’m excited to have him there, and I have a lot of respect for him.”

The Australian Off-Road Championship kicks off this weekend at Toowoomba in Queensland.