Steve Mini successfully returns from injury to podium at Oz FMX

Australian Freestyle Motocross luminary Steve Mini has made a successful return to competition following seven months sidelined, recovering from a shoulder reconstruction.

The popular rider, who thrilled Australian crowds with his huge whips and trick extensions as part of the Crusty Demons and Nitro Circus tours, finished a respectable third in last weekends Rev Heads Australian FMX Championships.

Mini, a late entry into the weekend’s competition, had originally travelled to Western Australia to film segments for the next instalment of the Crusty Demons DVD’s.

“I really wasn’t supposed to be back on the bike until early 2012,” Mini explained. “The recovery process was a lot quicker than we had expected and I have been doing a lot of riding at home the past month.

“I went to WA to do a bit of filming for the new Crusty movie and was feeling good, so I thought what better way to judge just where I am at than in a competition environment.

“It was great for my confidence to get out there and throw down a variety of tricks and now it is all about strengthening my shoulder and trying to get back to where I was before the injury.”

Mini will be back in action this weekend, performing for the Monster Energy Showtime FMX team at the Sydney Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“This will be my first official show since crashing at Canberra Nitro Circus in March,” Mini continued.

“All going well I will also be riding at the V8 Supercar finale in Sydney next weekend and then it will be back to the practice ramps to prepare for 2012.”