Fox (19) leaves this week for Germany, where he will pick up his new 2014 Sherco trials bike. It has a factory replica frame, making it a ''higher-spec bike with better suspension'', Fox said.
Last year, when he was based in Europe for nearly four months contesting nine of the world trial championships' 11 rounds, Fox finished 24th for the season, with his highest placing a 14th.
Although it was his debut in the series, he wanted higher results and felt his previous bike was lacking power.
''At least this year we won't be disadvantaged with that.''
Working part-time as a fencer, Fox has been able to dedicate himself to training hard in the lead-up to the international season. He has also enlisted some help with mental preparation.
''In 2013, I was struggling to put everything together but I feel like I have improved a lot since last season,'' Fox said.
His results at the first round of the world championships in Australia in April reflected his new-found confidence when he placed seventh on both days.
Fox said battling the flu and dealing with a malfunctioning clutch scuttled his chances of a top-five finish.
He is travelling to Europe with his father, Gavin, who will act as his minder on the obstacle-ridden trials courses, talking him through the tricky sections.
They will contest the Belgium round on July 13, before two rounds in England and another in France by the end of the month.
The Foxes will return home to New Zealand for three weeks before heading back over for the final round in Spain, which will be followed by the Trials des Nations team event in September, where Fox will again represent New Zealand.
