Ryan Villopoto sits 21 points behind series leader Davi Millsaps after his 16th place finish at Anaheim 1. Image: Simon Cudby.

Defending 450SX Monster Energy Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto remains focused on the task at hand after his disastrous season opening performance at Anaheim’s round one of the 2013 series.

After entering the season as a clear favourite to take out the opening round, a 16th place main event finish for the Monster Energy Kawasaki rider was certainly out of character and unexpected.

After a solid heat race, showing blistering speed, the number one lined up for the 450SX main event as the favourite for the win. A near dead last start proved to provide Villopoto with the tough task of passing multiple riders on the technical circuit.

While progressively picking off riders, Villopoto saw himself off of the track and on the ground, before clipping a tuffblock and while trying to take eighth place and going down once again.

Despite the scary get-off and a severely damaged bike, Villopto soldiered on, minus a right glove and his goggles, to finish 16th and take home five championship points. The multi-time champion now looks towards Phoenix’s round two, where he plans to redeem himself.

“The main event did not go well at all,” said Villopoto. “I did not get the start I needed, which forced me to find alternate lines in order to pass guys. The track was not easy to pass on, so you had to take some risks.

“After the crash I knew I just had to get as many points as I could and survive. There are still 16 more rounds, so I’m now focused on Phoenix and finishing where I should be.”

At this stage Villopoto sits 21 points behind series leader Davi Millsaps in the 450SX points chase with 16 rounds remaining for the 2013 season.