Image: Alex Gobert (Foremost Media).

Western Australian talent Connor Tierney will transition to the MX1 category in this year’s Pirelli MX Nationals, due to commence on 15 April at Newry in Victoria.

Tierney, who’s debut season in the MX2 class last year was riddled with injuries, confirmed his graduation to the premier class, which will see him in a Yamaha-supported privateer effort for 2018.

“I kind of got stuck at the end of last year – I didn’t have a ride with anyone for this year and I also had an injury,” Tierney explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I was in a bit of a tough situation, so I spoke to my close group of people I look to for advice, and we decided that the 450 probably suits me better.

“I’ve got a good support deal through Yamaha, and everything has just fallen into place – I feel a lot better riding the 450 than a 250.”

At the conclusion of 2017, Tierney went under the knife for reconstructive surgery on his shoulder, which has signficantly delayed his preparations in the pre-season.

With only a month under his belt, the now number 16 isn’t setting any expectations heading into the season-opener, instead, he’ll evaluate his health and performance following round one before solidifying his goals for his rookie MX1 campaign.

“I had a shoulder reconstruction after supercross, so I’ve been on the bike for a month,” he continued. “For the first round, it will just be testing my shoulder and the rest of my body out. I feel like I’m riding pretty good, but it’s just putting all of the little things together. I think I’ll set my expectations at the end of the first round and see where I’m at.”