Source: Supplied.

WBR Bulk Nutrients Race Team newcomer Connor Tierney’s full-time Motul MX Nationals MX2 debut has been set back as he continues to recover from ACL knee surgery he underwent during the off-season.

Last year’s MXD runner-up Tierney has been signed alongside Aaron Tanti for the 2017 season to compete on-board Yamahas, but will have to sit out Wonthaggi’s opening round in Victoria.

“Although I’m not riding, I will be at the first round to help the team get the ball rolling,” Tierney said. “I have decided not to compete until the surgeon is 100 percent happy with my knee. It will be very hard to watch, particularly as I have been training hard and really do feel ready to be out there, but I’ll just play it by ear and hope to line up for round two.”

In place of Tierney at the opening round will be local Lachy Steen, joining Tanti behind the gates of the MX2 division when the gates drop on the 2017 season this Sunday, 2 April. WBR Bulk Nutrients Race Team will also field Hugh McKay in MXD.