Matt Phillips was a surprise for Team Australia at the ISDE in Finland. Image: 404Shots.

Ballard’s Yamaha off-road rider Matt Phillips admits that he’s disappointed in his fifth place finish in the E2 Class of the International Six Day Enduro (ISDE) after watching a podium placing slip from his grasp on the final day.

Phillips stunned the off road world with an amazing performance at the ISDE in Finland as competition was wrapped up last weekend, this year’s event marking his debut in the iconic off-road race.

The 18-year-old Tasmanian secured fifth in the E2 class and ninth Outright for Team Australia, however a time penalty prior to the final motocross test saw him drop from second in E2 and top five Outright in a frustrating finish.

“It was a bittersweet event,” Phillips said from Finland. “If you had of offered me a top 10 outright finish before the event, I would have taken it every time, but after being in the position I was in I have mixed emotions about it.

“So, on one hand I’m happy with the result and the way I raced. On the other, I’m a little disappointed to work so hard for five days and get in a podium position in my class only to let it slip on the last day.

“But, it was a huge effort from everyone and I must thank the Ballards’ Yamaha team for their support in 2011. My YZ450F was a great bike to ride and stayed in great shape all week long.”

Throughout the six days of competition, Phillips won several special tests outright and also had class honours in others that made the world stand back and take notice.

Phillips will now return to Australia to take up the battle at the next round of the Australia Off-Road Championships at Callington in South Australia.