Pretlove, 31, leads the 30-plus masters class at the BMX Australia nationals series ahead of tomorrow’s fifth and final round in Shepparton.

He finished second in the opening round before notching a trio of wins to elevate himself ahead of the pack.

“I am leading the national series but because in Western Australia they didn’t run a time trial on the Sunday because of equipment failure, it denied me a chance for 50 points,” he said. 

“Last year it was a seven-round series and this year was five so I haven’t got a huge gap on second place.

“It’s pretty much winner takes all in the final round.”

Pretlove said he would take strong form into the deciding round. He will complete an individual time trial and three heats to notch a seed spot ahead of the finals.

He has entered the BMX Australia national championships, which start on Friday.

Pretlove is one of 19 Warrnambool BMX Club members aiming for national plates at the three-day competition.

The Warrnambool club president will attempt to defend his men’s cruiser 30-34 title and build on a fifth place finish in the men’s masters at the national championships.

?justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au