Orlando SX II: Start-gate rut brings tough night for Roczen

Monster Energy Supercross red-plate holder Ken Roczen saw his points lead cut by Cooper Webb in Orlando after a big rut on his start gate caused problems in the main event.

The Honda rider found a big kicker in his lane when the Tuffblocks were removed after the 250 race and the result was 22nd place into turn one.

Unfortunately, I picked the wrong gate last night. Once the 250s were done they moved the Tuffblocks and then I noticed that my rut was messed up and had a big kicker in it,” said the German.

“Gate dropped and I fed my clutch and my front wheel hit it dead on causing me to really lift up and kind of deflected my handlebars.

“I was 22nd around the first turn and 17th around the second turn which made for an intense main event.

“I’m leaving in a high note as I feel like i was riding well and I had a lot of fun. Ultimately, I wish I could have eliminated a couple of mistakes and made the pass on Eli stick on the first try as I feel like I could have gotten to the podium. Good battles through out the night, though.”

Roczen now has a six-point advantage over two-time 2021 winner Cooper Webb. Champion Tomac is still in third but now 31 points in arrears on the Honda man.

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