Unfortunately, Australia’s popular Honda FMX rider came to grief on the second of two runs, resulting in a number of season ending injuries.

However, his points from the first and best run allowed Bilko to slip in behind Nate Adams on the podium. “I was looking forward to a good season in America with my two CRF250’s set up well,” Bilko explained.

“I headed to the first tour stop with little riding time, as well as no time on the different ramps they use in America. My aim was to qualify and finish top ten, so I was stoked to win the open qualifier.”

Bilko plus six other riders, along with the top 10 from last year and two wildcards went into the preliminaries. After that, ten riders progressed to the finals where the 22-year-old Victorian qualified second.

“I was confident about what I could achieve, but the track soil was horrible and it was windy so I knew it would be hard to put a good run together without mistakes.”

“The first run went fine but the next time it didn’t go to plan. I went for a ruler flip, but as I left the ramp and threw my legs off the bike, I felt really unbalanced. This meant I was spinning way too fast and over rotated. I more or less landed on my feet.”

Bilko’s injuries include dislocated toes and ankle, as well as a broken leg and damaged knee. “It’s disappointing for sure because I am now going to have to miss the rest of this tour, as well as X Games and Madrid Red Bull X Fighters.”

“But I will concentrate on my recovery for now, and will look forward to coming back strong as ever in 2008. Thanks heaps to my sponsors including Honda Australia for a great year.”

To keep up to date on Bilko’s progress, please visit: www.bilko22.com