A pair of podium results in the back-to-back sprints at the third round of Penrite ProMX in Maitland are proof of Aaron Tanti’s potential, the GasGas Racing Team rider rising after starting the season with injury.

Tanti missed the opening round with a fractured wrist and only had a handful of days on the bike before Canberra’s second round two months ago, however Gillman’s postponement and a strong performance at the Manjimup 15,000 have really allowed the New South Welshman to elevate.

The MX1 rookie was highly impressive at the Maitland venue, finishing eighth in the opening encounter before recording 2-3 race results in the back-to-back motos, crediting him third for fifth overall.

“It was a pretty good day and a massive step forward from where I was at Canberra eight weeks ago, where I was fresh on the bike and was only just returning from injury,” Tanti explained.

“I’ve been trying to get my race fitness back up and I still feel like I’m trying to catch up to the rest of the guys in that department, but all in all I’m happy with how the day went. I pumped up mid-way through the opening moto and it was tough to watch others go by me, but I rebounded for the back-to-back races.

“Those two podium results proved I can get good starts and run the pace of the championship front-runners, so I’m really looking forward to the next round next month.”

Tanti has a month before returning to action at ProMX’s next stop on the calendar, scheduled for 25 July at Wodonga in Victoria.