Cudlin left for Spain yesterday and will begin testing the new Yamaha R1M almost as soon as he lands. He'll ride for Yamaha in both championships and he believes he's a strong chance finishing with twin titles.

He'll test the bike at three tracks in Spain before the start of hostilities. The world endurance championship is decided over four events beginning in April - two are in France, one Germany and the other in Japan. The 16 race European Superbike title starts in May, with two races at eight venues.

Cudlin will be based in Germany not far from the Swiss border. He's no stranger to living in Europe but is now happier to travel home to Taree when the schedule allows. However, he'll be overseas until at least July.

"My wife, Amy, works in Taree but she'll be joining me in time for my first race,'' he said.

"Then she'll be clocking up the frequent flyer points travelling from home to Europe.''

Cudlin, now 32, believes heading back to Taree for a mid-season break refreshes him and may give him the edge he needs to bring home some silverware at season's end.

"Coming home will help me recharge the batteries,'' he reasons.

However, he concedes the schedule will be taxing.

"Most people only do one championship but I'm doing two, so that's going to test me out,'' he said.

"But I'm sure I'm going to be competitive in both, that's why I'm doing them.''

Cudlin is excited about his prospects on the new bike. However, he believes a strong start in both championships will be vital to his chances of over overall success.

"If we can get on the podium early then I'm sure we'll be able to build from there,'' he said.

Cudlin has been runner up on three occasions in the world endurance so he's probably placing that above the European Superbikes.

"I'd like a gold medal at home to go with the three silvers,'' he said.

The endurance championship is a team event, with races lasting for 24 hours.

"It's like the Bathurst car races,'' Cudlin noted.

"One rider finishes his stint and another takes over. You're part of a team unlike the superbike championship.

"Once the green light goes it's all up to me, although at that level you still need a good team behind you.''

Cudlin hopes to keep riding overseas for at least another five years.

"I don't think age is a factor - look at Troy Bayliss - he's 45 and hadn't ridden in the World Superbikes for something like seven years, but he was competitive the other day,'' he said.

"And I think experience is a big advantage. While I'm still enjoying it, I want to keep riding.''

Riding bikes professionally has been Cudlin's goal since he was a young boy. He's sure he's made the right choice of employment.

"It beats laying bricks for a living,'' he laughed.