Image: John Pearson.

Recently-crowned E3 champion Daniel Sanders believes a strong finish to the Yamaha Australian Off-Road Championship (AORC) at Hedley’s finals this weekend will provide a boost to his preparations for the 2019 International Six Days Enduro (ISDE), which is scheduled to take place in Portugal this November.

The Husqvarna Enduro Racing Team rider has surged into incredible form in the back half of the championship, topping the unofficial outright times at the last six rounds while also wrapping up the E3 title with two rounds to spare at South Australia’s penultimate stop.

“Only Milner and I have won the outright this year, so it’s been between us,” Sanders explained to MotoOnline.com.au. “I try not to think about it too much, but it’s not over yet. We’ve still got a cross-country to go through, and then the sprints. Anything can happen – you see how the weather goes, that can play a big part. All I can do is keep my ball rolling and stay fit and healthy.

“The form’s there, the bike’s there – it’s all falling into place, I just need to keep it together. The ISDE is after that – the speed is better than last year – Milner won it last year and we’ve been battling all year, so it’s going to be good for me and hopefully we can get on the podium again.”

Sanders will be joined by Husqvarna teammate Fraser Higlett in the defending Team Australia World Trophy champion squad, as well as Josh Green (Yamalube Active8 Yamaha) and Luke Styke (Yamalube Active8 Yamaha).