Image: Octopi Media.

Defending Monster Energy Supercross champion Cooper Webb has risen for his first victory of the 2020 season in a pivotal result at San Diego tonight.

Six rounds in and the number one plate-holder delivered a breakout performance for Red Bull KTM to climb to third in the 450SX standings, now within nine points of the lead.

It was a well-earned result for Webb, who was able to overcome longtime leader Adam Cianciarulo (Monster Energy Kawasaki) with just two minutes remaining in the premier class main event. That pair finished 1-2, with Blake Baggett (Rocky Mountain ATV/MC KTM WPS) landing third.

At the beginning, Baggett took the holeshot before Cianciarulo stormed into the lead, but it was Webb who moved to the head of the pack through the first few turns. Cianciarulo countered and led the majority prior to Webb’s late surge and an important win for his title hopes.

Fourth tonight was the best that Eli Tomac (Monster Energy Kawasaki) could manage after working his way from as far back as 10th at the close of the opening lap, getting the better of Justin Barcia (Monster Energy Yamaha) following a series of exchanges between them, while Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) also had a bad start on his way to P6.

Roczen’s teammate Justin Brayton was directly behind in seventh, as Malcolm Stewart (Smartop MotoConcepts Bullfrog Spas Honda), his teammate Justin Hill and the fast-starting Aaron Plessinger (Monster Energy Yamaha) filled the top 10. Plessinger was as high as third before a fall five minutes in.

Australian legend Chad Reed (Mountain Motorsports cbdMD CR22 Honda) was able to return for his send-off in San Diego after transferring through his heat race, but exited the main event in the closing stages.

The red plate remains in Roczen’s position, now just a single point ahead of Tomac as Webb homes in on them in third prior to the 20202 Monster Energy Supercross heading east to Tampa next Saturday, 15 February.

Detailed results