AusEnduro Championship preview: Kyogle

After a seven-week break, the championship resumes in sprint format, with riders facing multiple timed tests across two demanding days of racing. Unlike the sandy and loamy terrain encountered in earlier rounds, the dry, hard-pack conditions in Kyogle will present a new set of challenges, demanding precision, agility, and sheer technical ability. As the championship nears its conclusion, every point is critical, and the door is wide open for fresh names to step onto the top step of the podium.

Pro Enduro
The battle for supremacy in Pro Enduro resumes with Daniel Milner (DM31 KTM Racing Team) commanding the standings. Milner has established a 34-point lead thanks to his trademark consistency and ability to adapt to varying race conditions, and he will be eager to extend his advantage as the championship closes in on the final rounds.

Hot on his heels is teammate Korey McMahon (DM31 KTM Racing Team), who has become the rider with all the momentum. McMahon broke through for his maiden Pro Enduro victory last time out, backed it up with a stunning victory at the Hattah Desert Race, and then took his form overseas, impressing on the world stage at the International Six Days Enduro. With confidence at an all-time high, McMahon will be the rider everyone is watching when Kyogle gets underway.

Sitting in third place is Wil Ruprecht (Shop Yamaha Off-Road Racing Team), who has been laser focused on hard-packed training and will welcome the sprint racing format. Ruprecht has been strong throughout the year, and with the technical Kyogle terrain suiting his style, he will be intent on closing the points gap to the leaders. Behind him, Jye Dickson (Beta Australia Enduro Team) and Andy Wilksch (Beta Australia Enduro Team) are tied for fourth on 141 points. Unfortunately for Wilksch, a training crash has left him sidelined with injury, leaving Dickson with a golden opportunity to climb the standings unchallenged.

E1
In the E1 class, Jonte Rynders (DM31 KTM Racing Team) has been almost untouchable. With an almost perfect season to date, Rynders leads the category on 190 points and shows no signs of slowing down. His speed and consistency have been the benchmark all year, but he cannot afford to relax.

Cooper Sheidow (Blu Cru Yamaha) is only 25 points behind in second place and knows that a strong weekend in Kyogle could put him within striking distance of the championship lead as the series enters its final rounds. Sheidow has steadily built his form this year and will be looking to turn up the pressure on Rynders when the conditions get tough.

Adding to the intensity are teammates Fraser Higlett and Jett Yarnold, who sit third and fourth respectively. Higlett holds 146 points, with Yarnold just 12 adrift on 134. Both riders have proven themselves well-suited to the type of terrain on offer at Kyogle, and their battle for the final podium spot could become one of the weekend’s most thrilling storylines.

E2
The E2 category has been dominated all year by Daniel Milner (DM31 KTM Racing Team), who leads the class with 194 points and a five-round win streak. Rarely challenged in his division, Milner’s comfort and control on hard-pack terrain make him an overwhelming favourite once again. However, in off-road racing nothing is guaranteed, and Milner will need to fend off determined rivals who are hungry to shake up the standings.

One of those rivals is Wil Ruprecht (Shop Yamaha Off-Road Racing Team), who sits second on 167 points. Ruprecht used the mid-season break to refine his skills and sharpen his pace, specifically with Kyogle’s terrain in mind. With his trademark aggression and confidence in sprint formats, he will be looking to take the fight directly to Milner.

The absence of Andy Wilksch (Beta Australia Enduro Team), who was injured in training prior to the ISDE and has required surgery, opens the door for fresh challengers. William Dennett (Shop Yamaha Off-Road Racing Team) sits just six points behind Wilksch and has been improving with every round. Dennett’s rise has been one of the standout stories of the season, and with Kyogle’s conditions likely to suit him, this weekend may present his best chance yet to climb onto the top step.

Further down the order, a fierce contest is brewing for the top five. With only six points separating Jeremy Carpentier, Max Midwinter, and Tom Buxton, expect nothing short of an all-out battle as each rider chases valuable championship positions.

E3
The E3 category is shaping up as another highlight. Korey McMahon (DM31 KTM Racing Team) will again take centre stage after his breakthrough victory at Round 8 and his exceptional international results. With momentum and confidence firmly in his corner, McMahon arrives in Kyogle as a clear favourite.

However, Jye Dickson (Beta Australia Enduro Team) has been steadily building his form and sits just 14 points behind McMahon in the standings. Dickson’s speed in sprint formats makes him a real threat, he could upset the leader.

Consistency has been the hallmark of Riley McGillivray (Husqvarna Australia), who despite a setback at Round 7, has remained firmly in the mix. He has spent his time in Western Australia sharpening his skills and enters this weekend well-prepared for the challenge. Meanwhile, Max Ricky delivered his best finish of the season in the last round and will be determined to keep that momentum rolling.

EW
The Women’s class has been dominated by Jessica Gardiner (JGR Yamaha Off-Road Racing), who leads the field with 194 points. Gardiner’s wealth of international experience and her recent success with the ISDE Women’s World Trophy team have reinforced her reputation as one of the best in the world. Kyogle’s challenging terrain will be yet another test, but she has proven time and again that she is more than equal to the task.

Chasing Gardiner is Madi Simpson (Monster Energy WBR Yamaha), who sits second on 168 points. Simpson has shown blistering speed throughout the season and will be a serious threat, particularly on the more technical terrain expected this weekend.

Ebony Nielsen (Beta Australia Enduro Team) comes into Kyogle with valuable experience under her belt, having competed in the brutal Red Bull Romaniacs over the break. That five-day test of endurance will serve her well, and she will be ready for whatever AusEnduro throws at her.

Also in contention are Madison Healey, who impressed at Casterton and is eager to continue her form, and Emilie Karlsson (Triumph Australia), whose strong performance last round showed her growing pace and adaptability.

EJ

The EJ class continues to deliver drama, with the championship lead narrowing to just five points. Kogan Lock (GAS GAS) holds 177 points after a strong season but was pushed hard in Casterton, where he was knocked off the top step and reminded that his title fight is far from secure.

The rider applying the pressure is Will McInnes (Empire Kawasaki), who sits on 172 points. McInnes has been relentless all year, trading victories with Lock and closing the margin in the standings at every opportunity. Their battle has become a test of nerve as much as speed, and neither rider can afford a mistake this late in the season.

Behind them, Fletcher Tucker holds third place on 130 points, but Oliver Paterno is right on his heels with 126. Their scrap for the final podium spot adds yet another layer of intrigue to the class.

The Kyogle round promises to be a turning point in the Yamaha Australian Enduro Championship. The hard, dry and unforgiving terrain will demand precision and resilience, pushing riders to their limits and rewarding those who can adapt quickly. With championship titles hanging in the balance, breakout performances on the cards, and the potential for new winners to emerge, fans can expect nothing less than a weekend of fierce competition and world-class racing.