Image: Foremost Media.

Western Australian Jayden Rykers will join Empire Kawasaki as its MX1 rider for the 2020 season, where he’ll be accompanied by MXD contender Deakin Hellier.

Rykers, who raced as a privateer in 2019, experienced a breakout rookie season in the premier class, finishing the MX Nationals in 10th despite being sidelined for the last three rounds, while he was 11th in the Australian Supercross Championship – his first full season in the discipline.

The 23-year-old admits the transition to the KX450 has far been seamless as he commences his preparations for the 2020 MX Nationals.

“It’s a massive reward after last year,” Rykers told MotoOnline.com.au. “I had to make the decision [in 2019] of where my future was heading, and that’s when I made the decision to step up to the 450.

“I guess a lot of changes happened in that year from working full-time to having our son. To be back in a situation now after such a hard year where I can put my mind back to the bike side of things is an awesome opportunity.

“I’ve spent four days riding the Kawasaki now, but when I first hopped on the bike, the transition wasn’t crazy – I felt quite comfortable straightaway. Everything’s been going smoothly.”

It was confirmed earlier this week that outgoing rider Dylan Long will sit out racing the 2020 season, while fill-in come team regular Lawson Bopping is unlikely to return after battling ongoing health issues.