Monster Energy Kawasaki's Ryan Villopoto finished third last weekend in Oakland. Image: Simon Cudby.

Defending Monster Energy AMA Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto says his start is what denied him victory last weekend in Oakland’s fourth round of 2012.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Villopoto finished third after a hard fought main event. He got a good jump off the gate and quickly moved into the number three spot. Throughout the race he made several attempts to move out front, but wasn’t able to complete the pass.

Villopoto ultimately finished the night on the podium in third and currently sits third in the championship points, only two points behind the leader.

“It was tough night,” said Villopoto. “The track was pretty rutted and got worse with every lap. The dirt was really soft underneath and it caused the ruts to mushroom out.

“Once I got into third I reeled in the leaders and made several attempts to get by, but just couldn’t get any of the passes to stick. I was on the outside of the track most of the race looking for a place to pass.

“I kept reeling them in, moving out of the main line to pass, then having to fall back in line behind them around tight sections of track.

“If I had got a better start that would have fixed the problem, so I am going to be working hard on my starts this week.”

The series is lead by Australian Chad Reed and Ryan Dungey as it enters round five this weekend in Anaheim.