Image: Supplied.

Cooper Webb as indicated his thrilling battle with Ken Roczen (Honda HRC) in the opening main at A2’s Triple Crown is a sign of moving on the from their San Diego clash in 2018, which ultimately ruled Roczen out of the series.

The duo have long had a tension-filled rivalry that’s extended beyond the race track, however that was put behind them at the weekend when the duo engaged in a respectful battle that saw Webb emerge with a last lap pass to clinch his first ever race win since entering the premier class in 2017.

The Red Bull KTM Factory rider backed up the result with victory in race two followed by third in the finale, granting him his maiden overall victory while also becoming the second first time winner in as many rounds.

“It was cool, and whether you want to count it is a win or not, that was my first main event win,” Webb said speaking of his race one victory over Roczen. “To be behind him the whole race and be able to pass him on the last lap was cool, especially what unfortunately happened with us last year.

“It was good to battle with him and shake hands after and move on from everything. San Diego last year was bad for both of us, so for us to battle and it be my first win and come down to the last lap with two turns to go, I was just stoked.

“After the first two, the demons want to creep in, but I felt I did pretty good in keeping my composure. Eli got out front and was really hauling, but I knew where was I at and Marv got around me, so I just tried to latch onto him and treat it like a practice day. I was happy to still be consistent all night – two get two [wins] was amazing, but to finish it out strong was special.”

Webb’s victory promoted him to third in the standings, while Roczen’s fourth place finish allowed him to maintain the championship lead heading into Oakland’s fourth stop of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship this weekend.