Image: Simon Cudby.

Discount Tire Racing’s Chad Reed has mixed emotions following his popular podium at Anaheim 1’s opening round of Monster Energy Supercross, narrowly falling short of the opening round victory.

Reed, 31, was well in podium contention throughout the main event, however a mixture of nerves and excitement following a difficult last year halted the Australian’s victory hopes.

“For me, there were a lot of opportunities to win, but I just didn’t capitalise on it,” Reed admitted. “Therefore I am disappointed, but also satisfied with a podium. When it came down to dropping the hammer, I just rode tight.

“I’m bummed because this is my 13th season and I rode like a rookie out there, but I mean, I think for me that just shows my excitement, commitment and passion behind this whole thing.”

It was a stunning start to the season for Reed, back aboard the Kawasaki KX450F for the first time since 2010, and he believes starts will be key throughout the 17-round series in 2014.

“You know, it means a lot just to be out here – you hear all the naysayers – but the focus is about getting comfortable, being happy and doing what I believe I can do,” he added. “I feel like I can do this every weekend and that’s the goal.

“It’s going to be tough, cos you gauge off of everybody, see everybody out there and there’s not a lot separating everybody – it’s going to come down to the start.”

Reed currently sits third in the 450SX standings, five points in arrears of round one winner Ken Roczen.