As he prepares for his first appearance at X Games in six years this weekend, Chad Reed has memories of success at the X Games before, but not in the category you may think.

Reed’s best ever result at X Games actually came during the Supermoto event in 2005, a hybrid and high-speed contest that’s well different to Motocross or Supercross.

Held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles during August, 2005, Reed followed legendary US riders Doug Henry and Jeremy McGrath for the bronze medal – his lone X Games podium to date.

On an exciting track featuring asphalt and a Supercross-style dirt section, Henry, McGrath and Reed filled the podium in an exciting 40-lap race that featured a mandatory pit stop for tyres and fuel.

Aboard a factory Yamaha YZ450F at the time, Reed grabbed the holeshot and led before Henry passed him on lap six. Henry lost the lead when he pitted on lap 25, but regained control when other riders pitted and pulled out an 11.4-second lead over McGrath and Reed at the finish.

Chad Reed charging hard during X Games Supermoto in 2005. He scored the bronze.

Last year didn’t feature the Moto X competition at X Games, however now it’s back and amidst a frustrating 2013 campaign to date, this could mark Reed’s best chance yet at nabbing a gold medal once and for all.

Reed, who will race against riders including Mike Alessi, Justin Brayton, Josh Grant, Will Hahn, Josh Hansen and Jason Lawrence said he was looking forward to returning to X Games competition.

“I am really excited to be racing at X Games it has been six years since I was last there as a competitor,” Reed said.

“The X Games course will be shorter than what I am used to riding in the AMA Supercross but it will be quite similar to the ones I have raced on in Australia.

“We have learnt a lot about the bike during the outdoor season and I am sure these developments will help as we prepare for both X Games and the Monster Energy Cup.

“My fitness is still not 100 percent but it is getting there. It has been a rough season but our sponsors have been incredibly supportive so it is nice to be able to do events like this and the Monster Energy Cup for them.”

We can’t wait to check it out!