Defending AMA Motocross Champion Chad Reed silenced his critics with a sterling opening round win of the 2010 AMA Pro Motocross Championship at Hangtown on Sunday, kicking off his title defence in the best possible way with the overall victory.

The Australian, who sat out most of the supercross season with injury, silenced his critics and made his intentions clear from the onset, taking the holeshot and leading the opening 30-minute moto from start to finish.

“I got an awesome start in the first race, “Reed acknowledged. “It is certainly much easier when you get out front and out of the roost.”

The second moto proved tougher, Reed was mid pack off the start and had his work cut out for him on the technical track. The Monster Kawasaki rider rode a strong race, meticulously manoeuvring his KX450F through the field to third and the overall round victory.

“The second race was tougher, I was trying to move forward but the track was rough which made it quite hard to pass on,” he continued. “While my supercross season didn’t go as planned, I’m now fit and healthy and focused on defending this title and I think I proved that today.

“Everything went to plan and we achieved what we set out to. It’s been a good day and its awesome that Ellie and Tate are here. I couldn’t be happier.”

The second round of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross Championship will be held at Freestone Raceway in Wortham, Texas on Saturday, 5 June.

The 450cc class will be aired in Australia live on Fuel TV from 6.30am AEST on Sunday, 6 June.