Tasmania’s Matt Phillips secured victory in the 2012 Wildwood Rock Extreme enduro in Victoria on Sunday, taking the prize ahead of Spanish champion Alfredo Gómez.
After a gruelling three-hour battle, which saw the pair battle it out over nine laps of the tough Wildwood track, Phillips emerged with a winning margin of 2 minutes and 45 seconds. In doing so he claimed top honours and netted the $10,000 prize cheque on offer.
The Wildwood victory ends a solid season for the 19-year old Yamaha charger, who recently took fourth outright at the Australian 4 Day Enduro and shared in silver spoils with the Australian Senior Trophy Team at the International Six Day Enduro in Germany.
In what was his first time competing on Australian soil, Spain’s Alfredo Gomez (Husaberg) finished as an impressive close runner up to Phillips.
The 23-year old former Junior Trials World Champion enjoyed his maiden Wildwood Rock Extreme challenge.
“I'm very happy to be here in Australia for the first time,” Gómez said. “In the Prologue I had a little mistake in the water when I crashed, but I picked the bike up to finish second behind Mitch Harper.
“In the main race I was able to ride fast but Phillips rode faster in the fast section of the circuit – he was too fast for me. I made little mistakes, he followed me every time, but then he took the lead and won the race.”
Third place went home with Dylan Rees, while Jade Gartlan and Chris Cash rode to fourth and fifth respectively.
