Image: Supplied.

Jason Anderson has revealed he’ll sit out the 2019 Monster Energy Cup, the decision coming after he spent a lengthy period in Europe preparing for the Monster Energy FIM Motocross of Nations (MXoN) in the Netherlands.

The Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing rider also withdrew from last weekend’s Red Bull Straight Rhythm event, the popular contender believing it’s in his best interests to rest ahead of a selection of off-season races – which includes the S-X Open Auckland and AUS-X Open Melbourne – and the 2020 season.

“Just updating everyone about the Red Bull Straight Rhythm and the upcoming Monster Cup,” Anderson explained in a statement. “Everyone knows that after the last outdoor bational Zach and I went to Europe for a month to train for the MXoN and our country.

“My plan was to come back and do the two-stroke Red Bull Straight Rhythm first. Truth is after only two days on the bike after riding in deep sand for a month I just didn’t feel comfortable and chose to not race. I apologise to all my fans who showed up to see me ride, but switching to a two-stroke after riding a four-stroke is harder than what you think it might be.

“Because I’ve been going wide open and not having much time to prepare, not to mention I haven’t had any off-season preparing for all these events, the team and I feel it is in my best interest that I not race the Monster Cup. I wish I could have been able to race and apologise to all my fans who were hoping to see me race at these events. Right now I need to let my body rest and get ready for the long season we have coming up for SX and MX.”

Anderson will race the full Monster Energy S-X Open International Supercross FIM Oceania Championship for the first time at the Auckland and Melbourne rounds this November.