Italy’s Alex Salvini will once again return to compete in the most prestigious enduro race in Australia in a bid to defend his E1 class crown that he won in 2011.

Although currently competing in the E2 class in the Enduro World Championship, the Italian’s switch to E1 machinery for the event is sure to add further excitement to an already hotly stacked class.

While joining forces with local Husqvarna factory riders Glenn Kearney and Luka Bussa for the A4DE, the Italian will face stiff opposition from class rivals Ben Burrell (Motorex KTM Off-Road), Daniel Milner (Ballard’s Yamaha Off-Road), Josh Green (Active8 Yamaha Yamalube) and former World Enduro Champion Stefan Merriman (Ballard’s Yamaha Off-Road).

However, with Salvini now confirmed to contest the A4DE it is not yet known whether he will compete at the final round of the EWC in France, which takes place on October 20/21, just three days before the A4DE begins on October 24.