The 10-year-old surprised everyone when he found himself on the ground after the first corner in Victoria at the weekend.

He then jumped back on his bike and made up half the ground he lost to finish with a respectable result at the prestigious event on August 25 and 26.

Dad, Robert, said he had a baptism of fire during his first race on the international stage.

“He was a bit unlucky and came off in the first corner because a couple of them in front of him fell off so he went straight into them,” he said.

“He went around in last place and then rode like a demon.”

In the end, Paterno finished 24^th in the first race and then 25^th out of a field of 40 of the best 65CC riders in the world aged between 10 and 12.

Mr Paterno said it was a learning experience for his young bloke.

“He was a little bit out-powered by some of the other riders because a lot of them spend a lot of money on their bikes,” he said.

“Being on an international stage is a real eye-opener and it gave Oli an indication of what’s required to mix it with the best.

“He wants to close the gap between himself and them; he loved the experience.”

Now the youngster has had a taste of the big stage, he has already set his sights on Russia in 2019 when the championships head there.

“He’s been pushing me and asking what he needs to do,” Mr Paterno said.

“So if he’s keen, I’m keen to go there with him and make it happen.”

But first, the youngster will have state and national motocross titles to compete in this season.

It will give them an indication of whether they should go to Russia or not.

Minimal preparation ensured the 10-year-old wasn’t in prime condition for such a prestigious event last weekend.

“It was the best riders in the world and a lack of preparation probably hurt us so we’ll need to work harder for next year,” Mr Paterno said.

“We just need to train harder before the next one in Russia next year and Oli is keen for it.”

Riders came from all over the world including England, Japan, America and Italy with Australia making up half the grid.

“It’s really interesting to see that level and how it all works,” Mr Paterno said.

“You saw some of the kids walking around just in awe of all these other people from all over the world.”

Paterno will be another year older for next year’s event, should he go there.

“He was one of the smaller kids on the circuit because he’s only 10 so next year those 12-year-old’s won’t be there.”