Image: Octopi Media.

Last year’s Monster Energy Supercross champion Cooper Webb has officially confirmed he will sit out the 2022 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship in a bid to regain full fitness for next season.

Webb has endured a difficult title defense with the new Red Bull KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition, unable to get a main event win ahead of this weekend’s finals in Salt Lake City.

“This year has been challenging in many ways,” Webb stated. “It’s been an uphill battle most of the season and I straight-up got my ass kicked… There has been a lot of talk about my summer plans and I wanted to be open with you guys.

“I’ve been a bit banged up most of the season and felt like we were finally starting to get closer to where we belong until the practice crash prior to St. Louis. I’m still battling some side affects and they’re showing on the bike.

“At the time we made the decision to finish SX the best we could. Together, KTM Factory Racing and I have decided to sit out MX and let my body and head heal properly. I hate losing, but every champion has his moments and seasons of adversity.”

Webb reunited with Aldon Baker to return to the Baker’s Factory mid-season and will continue that next season. He will target a third-career championship after winning in 2019 and 2021.

“I’m going to get healthy and back to work with Aldon and the Red Bull KTM team so we can come back swinging in ’23,” he added. “One of the highlights this season has been having fans back at the races – this sport is a hell of a lot better with you guys there and is something I think I can speak for every rider on.”

With Webb out and Marvin Musquin on a Supercross-only contract, KTM currently have Aaron Plessinger and Max Vohland (250MX) scheduled for the entire season, while both Ryan Dungey and Tony Cairoli are set to compete in the opening two rounds at this point.