After topping yesterday’s prologue, KTM Desert Racing Team’s David Walsh has put himself in prime position for victory at the 2019 Tatts Finke Desert Racing by finishing the first day of racing as the fastest rider in the Bike category.

Walsh, who set off from Alice Springs first alongside Jack Simpson (Penrite Honda Racing), led through every checkpoint on the 226-kilometre circuit, crossing the line at Finke with a time of 1h55m25.7s.

In a stunning ride, Schwarz Husqvarna Desert Team’s Jacob Smith moved through into second, five minutes down on Walsh, while teammate Beau Ralston locked out the top three.

Emerging through the field after finishing prologue in 13th, KTM Desert Racing Team’s Callum Norton pushed through for fourth ahead of Simpson, who encountered confusion with his fuel stop earlier in the race.

The top 10 was completed by Sam Davie (Schwarz Husqvarna Desert Team), Kent Collins (KTM), Lachlan Terry (KTM), Thomas Jones (KTM), and Nicholas Waters (KTM).

Riders will return to Alice Springs tomorrow afternoon, where the King of the Desert will be crowned in the Bike division.

Detailed results