Sinclair on XFighter podium

In Fort Worth, the Pearcedale-based rider became the first to pull off the outrageous double backflip in a full-length freestyle motocross contest.

Sinclair was controversially beaten by Swiss defending champion Matt Rebeaud in the semi-finals in Texas. The crowd believed Sinclair's double flip was enough to earn a finals berth.

Sinclair was lucky to even make it to the semi after badly bruising his ankles while landing from a backflip and was in so much pain he couldn't kickstart his bike.

"During the double flip in the quarter finals, I landed with my feet not on the footpegs properly. I've had them checked out and there's nothing broken, they're just really sore!" Sinclair says.

Suzuki rider Chad Reed still leads the 450cc AMA motocross series after a fourth in Colorado on the weekend.

Reed struggled for pace and started from 11th, but had worked his way into third by the time the flag fell on the first race. He lost touch with the lead pack in the second outing and finished seventh.

"Each race is a real battle and it was good to come away from Thunder Valley with a fourth place and the championship lead," Reed says.

The helmet worn by Reed at Thunder Valley, featuring indigenous artwork supporting the cause of Red Dust Role Models, is being auctioned online.

To bid, go to www.teamvodafone.com