Victorian hotshot Nathan Trigg says he has “all the elements in place” to push for a strong result on the Mallee Motorcycles-backed Sherco 450 SEF Factory in the 2021 instalment of the iconic Finke Desert Race in the Northern Territory.
The race, to be held on the Queen’s Birthday long weekend (June 12-14), will see the 27-year-old farmer from Ouyen compete in the 251-450cc four-stroke class, which will also put him into the mix for outright honours.
Trigg has enjoyed a solid preparation for the event – returning in 2021 after a Covid-enforced cancellation last year – including a pre-run on the course, which is looking a lot different to past years thanks to high levels of recent precipitation.
“The scenery is quite green, but the track is still typical Finke – and by the time the event comes around it will be as tough as ever thanks to all the pre-runs that will happen over the next few weeks,” said Trigg.
“That said, I’m really happy with my lead-up to the event, and I’ve completed a lot of off-bike training to really get myself into shape.
“We’re in the middle of sowing season at the moment, but I’ve been pumping out the hours on the 450 SEF Factory as well – but like all racers I’d like even more time in the saddle!”
2021 FINKE DESERT RACE ENTRIES BY CLASSTrigg has three top 10 outright finishes at the Finke Desert Race, with a best result of sixth in 2017 and victory in the 251-450cc four-stroke class in 2018.
The last event in 2019 wasn’t one to remember: he crashed hard and was a DNF.
“It was a big crash, but I’ve slayed those mental demons and I’m ready to head back to Finke and put on a great show,” said Trigg.
“I’m just going to ride my own race and have a heap of fun – you ride better when you’re having fun.
“I know the pace that I can ride at comfortably, so we’ll see what transpires when I cross the finish line.”
There are a whopping 151 entries in the 251-450cc four-stroke class, and 650 entries in total for the high-speed 460km journey from Alice Springs to the small township of Finke.
The prologue will be held on Saturday, June 12, which will determine the starting order for the run to Finke on Sunday. Then it will all happen in reverse on Monday, with the leading riders expected to complete the event in around four hours.
The race record of three hours, 46 minutes and 55 seconds is held by Toby Price at an average speed of 122km/h.
For more information on the 2001 Finke Desert Race, click
here.