MEET THE ATHLETE: ANDY WILKSCH

Beta Australia has intensified its racing efforts in 2024, showcasing a variety of racers across a range of disciplines aboard Beta’s impressive motorcycles. Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce you to some of Beta’s Australian athletes. First up, meet Victorian rider, Andy Wilksch.

Give us your vital stats…
Hey, I’m Andy Wilksch. I’m from Great Western Victoria and 27 years old.

When did you start riding and when did you start competing?
Had my first ride at three years old after seeing two of my three older brothers ride, and started competing in 2000 at age four in the local club motocross races. 

What has your most memorable achievement been so far in your racing career?
Winning my first AORC title in the 2022 season as well as second overall in Australia. Running third overall at Round 9 of the Enduro GP of Portugal 2021 for the first three tests of the weekend, is also a highlight.

You’re new to the Beta Motorcycles Australia Team. How did the relationship come about? 
I had a local dealership take on Beta during the middle of last year and they were excited about the brand. Not long after that, I had contact from the Beta Motorcycles Australia Team asking what my plans would be moving forward. And that led me to testing the bike and finding it super-comfortable right out of the shop floor. So I was keen to try work together moving forward. 

How are you feeling on the new bike? 
I’ve been really enjoying myself. Out of the box, they are a great bike and finally getting to get some riding in as of late, it’s been exciting the new possibilities this bike opens up for me and the new areas I can push in on the track.

You’ve competed at a high level in Europe. How was that experience, and how different is it to racing in Australia? 
When I left Australia, it was a fair adjustment to the difficulty of the tracks then what we were racing here previously, as well as learning a new Language (Italian) and constantly racing against 30 of the Europe’s best riders forced me to improve if I wanted to be competitive. Training full-time was also a really awesome experience and taught me a lot.

Coming off the back of knee surgery and competing in the AORC just 12 weeks after was very impressive to see. What was your training program like to get you back on the bike in a competitive setting? 
It was quite full on, if I’m honest. I did a lot of strength and mobility work along with whatever cardio workouts I could do to try to minimise the effect no bike-time can have on your racing. 

What are you hoping to achieve this season?  
I’d love to get back up the front where I ended the 2022 season and be back battling for Outright wins against the best in the country, and show what the Beta Motorcycles are capable of.

What tips do you have for young riders looking to compete in the near future?
Keep it fun, work on your weaknesses and back it down once you start to get tired and lose focus.