Cressy hope Chris Bayles has pushed Australia's No.1 rider Kyle Middleton to the limit at the Tasmanian moto trails two-day titles.
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The sport's leading four competitors in the country - three from interstate - were the main challengers to the New South Welshman over the weekend.
But it was home course advantage that played into the hands of Bayles at Powranna, south of Launceston.
Bayles finished the expert grade riding a credible 21 points, 14 behind Middleton, but 17 points ahead of third-placed South Australian Connor Hogan.
Riders were forced to ride an obstacle course of 36 sections over Saturday and Sunday over natural jumps like large rocks and logs.
They lose one point for any of their feet touching the ground and five points for falling off or even stalling their bike.
Bayles' efforts come after he had slipped from No.2 to No.4 in Australia last year at the national championships. But a new bike has lifted his morale and ranking to again sit just behind Middleton.
The performance was a good dress rehearsal for the top riders ahead of this year's national championships set to be held at the Powranna course in October.
Ulverstone pair of Tom Woodhouse and Daniel Fenton both took out the state A and B grades.
Woodhouse is the current national junior champion.
Burnie rider Bryce Caletti claimed the C-plus grade.
The top female at the event was Port Sorrell's Jenna Lupo. The Australian representative last year finished second behind Caletti.
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