Image: Octopi Media.

Reigning Monster Energy Supercross champion Eli Tomac’s 450SX title defense is over, with Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing confirming a ruptured achilles tendon sustained for the number one plate-holder tonight in Denver.

The 30-year-old was in the frame to clinch a third-career crown at his home round in Colorado, however, instead was forced to exit the race and it has been revealed his season has ended altogether.

“Unfortunately, without crashing we just came up a little short on that jump and it’s an unfortunate report we have to make, but [Eli has] ruptured his achilles tendon and it’s going to put us out for the rest of this season,” Star Racing 450 team manager Jeremy Coker announced on the broadcast.

Tomac’s injury positions Team Honda HRC’s penultimate round winner Chase Sexton – his fifth win of the season – as the 2023 champion elect with one round remaining in Salt Lake City next weekend. He holds a seven-point advantage over Tomac with one round remaining, with Cooper Webb (Red Bull KTM) – also sidelined – still third, 42 points back.