Image: Simon Cudby.

Defending Monster Energy Supercross Champion Ryan Villopoto is aware the 2014 title chase could be the toughest on record, with a swarm of quality riders lining up at Anaheim 1 on 4 January.

The three-time AMA SX champion will enter A1 with an approach not to dissimilar to last year, following a calculated off-season working at his Florida base with trainer Aldon Baker.

With the usual suspects – Ryan Dungey, James Stewart, Chad Reed, Justin Barcia and more – in the mix, as well as some talented rookies including training partner Ken Roczen and Eli Tomac, Villopoto is anticipating a challenge at the front.

“You have to treat every year the same,” Villopoto told Racer X Online. “I think it will be, I wouldn’t say tougher, because you’re never going to get those [top] guys to be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.

“So it’s not like you’re going to be racing eight guys. You’re always going to be probably racing one or two, whoever those people are and whatever order they’re in. So I wouldn’t say that adds up to be tougher that way, but for sure it’s going to be [tough].

“It’s always tough, but it’s getting tougher because there’s younger guys coming in, guys that are good.”

Click here for the complete interview over at Racer X Online.