Image: Foremost Media.

Schwarz Husqvarna Desert Team’s Beau Ralston has expressed a sense of relief after earning a career-first outright podium at the 2019 Tatts Finke Desert Race following a number on injury riddled seasons.

Ralston displayed fine form in the prestigious desert race, completing prologue in P6 before making his way into top three as the race for the King of the Desert crown reached Finke.

Determined to overcome teammate Jacob Smith on the final day, the Husqvarna FE 501-equipped rider elected to tone his campaign down after numerous close calls, ultimately crossing the finish line at Alice Springs in third position.

“I’m stoked to finish, let alone get on the podium after my last couple of years being injured,” Ralston commented. “The Schwarz Husqvarna Desert Team has put in a huge effort to get us out here this year and I really appreciate it.

“I was over two minutes behind Jake and I was fresh, so I thought I was going to have a good crack at reeling him in, but I didn’t anticipate what the cars were going to do to the track. I had some really hairy moments, so I just backed off to get home in one piece for a podium finish.”

The race was won by local Alice Springs hero David Walsh (North Star Pastoral KTM Desert Racing Team), who dominated proceedings right through to the chequered flag.