X-Fighters back downunder in 2012

It's true that Australian FMX legend Robbie 'Maddo' Maddison didn't have the best Red Bull X-Fighters season in 2011, coming equal eighth overall, but 2012 could be the year for an Australian win - particularly with upstart Josh Sheehan (finishing fourth) showing a clean pair of heels in 2011.

The Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour is the world's biggest and most prestigious freestyle motocross event, and once again will be returning to Australia, with the Sydney leg of the tour taking place on October 6, 2012.

Overall 2011 winner Dany Torres will be looking for a repeat in 2012, but as the riders are developing a better knowledge of tour, how to impress the judges and so on (brand new tricks usually rate well), we can expect a very competitive season.

"The Red Bull X-Fighters is the most important championship with the best riders in the world," explained Spanish-born Torres. "There may be surprises with any of the riders."

Kicking off on April 13 in Dubai (pictured), the FMX World Tour will then travel to the California in the USA in May, Istanbul in Turkey for June, Madrid in Spain for July, Munich in Germany for August then finishing up in Australia, Sydney, in early October.

Top contenders for 2012 will of course include defending champion Dany Torres, and 2010 champion Nate Adams, from the USA, is also sporting strong odds.

Andre Villa of Norway is always strong and the Australasian contingent of stunt-meister Robbie Maddison, Josh Sheehan and New Zealander Levi "Rubber Kid" Sherwood are also going to be riders to watch.