Matthew Phillips back at Sherco

Tasmanian Matthew Phillips has announced a return to Sherco after two years with KTM, and will compete in the E2 class in the 2016 Enduro World Championship on the 450SEF-R four-stroke machine.

Phillips will ride for CH Racing, the same team he won the 2013 world junior enduro title with.

“It’s really good to join the Team at Sherco. I’ll be riding the new 450 so it’ll be a new experience in a new class and I’m really looking forward to it," said Phillips. "I’ll be focussing on the E2 class to get on the podium as much as possible, if not on the top step.

“It’s a big change from the two-stroke to a four-stroke but I was really surprised with the bike. It’s got a great engine.”

As well as the E2 class, Phillips will also be one of the riders who'll be in with a shot to win the outright title, which will pit the top E1 to E3 riders against each other to work out who's the best of the best.

“To have proven talent like Matt Phillips with Sherco is fantastic news which will create a buzz within the Aussie enduro fraternity,” said Sherco Australia Brand Manager, Stephen Tuff.

 “Matt is a seriously tough competitor with a huge following.  To win two world championships is an outstanding accomplishment considering he is 22 years old. And when you factor in his history with CH Racing I can only see a bright future for Matt and Sherco.

“Obviously this is massive news for us as a brand here in Australia and I can’t wait to see what Matt can achieve on the Sherco 450SEF-R.”

Phillips has already been testing with Sherco in Europe, and will return home next week to continue his preparation for the 2016 eight-round EWC season, which kicks off in Morocco on April 9-10.