Australian Chad Reed lost a little ground in his bid to win the national open class motocross title in the United States this year when he had to accept third spot overall at round five of the series in Denver, Colorado, at the weekend.

But the Honda rider did retain his championship lead – albeit now shaved from 15 to eight points ahead of No.2 man Ryan Villopoto – and there’s no need yet for the man from Kurri Kurri, New South Wales, to panic.

Reed twice finished third on Saturday, beaten to the top step of the podium by defending champion Ryan Dungey (Suzuki)(pictured above), who finished 2-1 at the Thunder Valley circuit, and by Villopoto, who finished 1-2.

In the 250cc class, Scotsman Dean Wilson (Kawasaki) took over the championship lead despite him twice finishing runner-up on Saturday, beaten to the chequered flag both times by fellow Kawasaki rider Blake Baggett.

South African former MX2 world champion Tyla Rattray (Kawasaki), has slipped from first to second in the standings after having a lacklustre day in Denver, posting a pair of fifth placings.

Round five winner Baggett remains third overall in the championship standings.

© Words and photo by Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com