Ryan Villopoto (centre) broke through for his first 2013 victory at A2. Image: Simon Cudby.

Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Ryan Villopoto will look to form momentum following a breakthrough return to the winner’s circle at Anaheim II’s third round of Monster Energy Supercross on Saturday, 19 January.

After qualifying in first position, Villopoto dominated his heat race and was ready to put his KX450F on top of the box. He took control of the main event and once in the lead, rode uncontested to his first win of the new year.

Following two uncharacteristic rounds to open the season, Villopoto captured his first 450SX win of the year. It had been nearly nine months since his last win which was in New Orleans last year after wrapping up the championship.

Villopoto dominated all day long posting the fastest qualifying times all afternoon and looking like his old self on his Kawasaki. In the heat race he grabbed the holeshot and led all eight laps, giving him first gate pick for the main event.

When the gate dropped for the main, Villopoto rounded the first turn within the top 10, moving up to sixth position. He briefly dropped to seventh place, but then began his charge to the front, overtaking the leader on lap five.

From there Villopoto laid down smooth, consistent laps and came away with his 25th career 450SX main event win.

“I’m happy to get this win out of the way,” said Villopoto. “We made progress each weekend and felt really good coming into today. My starts were much better, which made it much easier.

“I just took my time, was patient and made clean passes. Every win is good, but this one is nice to get the ball rolling for the rest of the season.”

Villopoto now sits fourth in the points standings, trailing early series leader Davi Millsaps by 11 points despite finishing 16th in the season opener three weeks ago.