Image: MXN.

Crankt Protein Honda Racing’s Dylan Long will return at this weekend’s penultimate round of the 2016 Motul MX Nationals in Toowoomba, Queensland.

Battling an illness that forced him out of Shepparton’s round eight, the MX1 contender believes the short break from racing was much needed.

“It’s been really good for me to have a bit of a break,” said Long. “I obviously needed it, and I’m feeling better already.”

Sticking to a reduced on and off bike training program, Long hopes to have the virus under control and looks forward to putting together strong results during the final two rounds.

“I’ve rode a few times in the past two weeks, and just been doing some off the bike training to give my body a rest and make sure that I’m ready for the last two rounds,” he added.

“Hopefully I’ve got the virus I’ve been carrying sorted, and now I can focus on finishing the year with some solid results at Toowoomba and Coolum.”

Long currently sits sixth overall in the premier MX1 category after contesting seven rounds of racing to date.