This is where it all went south for Ryan Villopoto at Phoenix. Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s defending AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto is looking ahead to Los Angeles’ third round of the series this weekend after suffering a disappointing opening-lap crash in Phoenix last weekend.

Villopoto got a mid-pack start and was setting up a pass when Davi Millsaps went down right in front of him, causing him to crash. When he picked up his bike he was sitting in 18th place, with 19 laps to go.

He charged through the field on a mission, picking off rider after rider, moving closer to the front with each lap. On the final lap, Villopoto made the push past third in the final few turns of the race to secure a spot on the podium.

“It was a tough night – I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time,” Villopoto explained. “Davi went down in the sand right in front of me and I got tangled up with him.

“I knew I had the speed, and really felt my bike was on, but it took a lot of work moving through the field to finish third. I ran into a little bad luck tonight, but overall I feel good about the ride.

“It was still a bummer though because I felt the win was pretty close before I went down. I’m looking forward to getting back to Dodger Stadium where I won last year.”

Villopoto continues to lead the series, now tied on 45 apiece with Ryan Dungey heading into LA.