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Breaking through the pain barrier - Bilko 5th at World Champs {2008 }
Aussie freestyle motocross star Blake Williams made a spectacular return to the international scene on the weekend, finishing 5th in the Best Trick Finals at the World Moto X Championships.
Absent from competition on a global scale for over a year, he was determined to factor in the results amongst the sport's most elite riders.
But pre-event, an injury cloud threatened to ground Williams before he'd even hit the dirt for practice at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego.
"I had an x-ray on my back which revealed that I had a vertebrae out of place, and I had to see a chiropractor two days in a row to attempt to put it right," explained Bilko following the event.
"I made a mistake in practice on Thursday night during and fell, spraining my ankle. It swelled up and turned black straight away.
I wasn't sure if I could ride so I saw the chiropractor again and he told me not to worry about my back, and to concentrate on getting my ankle better," he said.
Bilko gingerly tested the waters on Friday for the Best Trick practice session, and still feeling sore, completed just a couple of his signature moves before deciding that he would require more rest and recuperation if he was to challenge on the following day.
The next practice session was simply a fight for survival, and the plucky Australian pushed simply to get himself through to the judging rounds.
The Best Trick Finals saw two attempts from each rider, with the highest score going towards their overall results.
"For the first jump I pulled a 360 heel-clicker and jumped a little long," said Bilko.
"For the second jump I did a 360 one-hander and ended up in fifth position which was a better result."
Run 1 scored a 90.40 from the judging panel, with Run 2 coming in at 87.80.
"I am quite disappointed to be beaten by the tricks I invented and did a year and a half ago," he reflected.
"I was going to do something different during the next run and I changed my mind. I don't believe it made any difference as I think I still would have got a bad mark from the judges," he said in response to criticism that he showed his cards too early.
Fifth place was still a handy finish for Williams, and he earned the applause of his fellow competitors who noted that his return, at full fitness, would make him a tough rival to fend off in future events.
Bilko also took part in the Freestyle Elimination division, missing out on a spot in the final 4 by only a couple of places, equivalent to just 0.60 (out of 100) from the scoredesk.
"The 90 second time limit was tough, but a good idea and kept everyone on their toes," he said.
"I'm especially looking forward to returning to this event in 2009 and giving it an even better shot."
Williams' busy schedule sees him return home on Thursday to rejoin the Crusty Tour which visits Newcastle on the weekend.
