Chad Reed could be excused if he wants to forget about his 2010 season.

Aside from winning his own Australasian SuperX series (that included a round in New Zealand) and then celebrating the birth of his son, Tate, the Australian hero has had a disappointing year.

Reed was injured during the AMA Supercross season and then suffered from a virus in the AMA Motocross series that prevented him from defending his 2009 title in America

Then, at the weekend just gone, it was reported that Monster Energy Kawasaki and Reed had “mutally agreed to end their relationship”.

This news came a week after it was reported that apparel giant Thor MX and Reed were parting after a nine-year relationship.

Kawasaki says: “Monster Energy Kawasaki would like to thank Chad Reed for being a part of our team for the 2010 AMA Monster Energy Supercross, an FIM Championship and the Lucas Oil AMA Motocross Series.

“Reed was a valuable member of our program scoring one win and multiple podium finishes aboard his Monster Energy Kawasaki KX450F. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavours.”

The 28-year-old Australian pulled out of Supercross after breaking his hand during a crash at round two in Phoenix with his rival, San Manuel Yamaha rider James Stewart. He returned at Round 13 and finished fourth.

Reed came back to defend his AMA Motocross title and began the season on a positive note, taking the overall win in Round 1 a Hangtown with a 1-3 moto finish. But his season would descend, and he would eventually pull out due to suffering from the Epstein Barr Virus.

That also forced him to withdraw from Australia’s three-man line-up for the upcoming Motocross of Nations in Colorado.

But, regardless of 2010, Reed remains one of the most competitive riders in the dirt. So now the question is where will Chad Reed be in 2011?

With his former Suzuki boss Roger DeCoster signed to the US KTM team next year, this seems like the most viable move for the two-time Supercross Champion; expect an announcement of Reed’s 2011 plans soon.

© Andy McGechan, www.BikesportNZ.com