Australia’s Meghan Rutledge has her eyes on the series leading red plate after earning a second overall finish at the FIM Motocross World Championship WMX season opener in The Netherlands.

The 17-year-old kicked off her 2013 campaign by tackling the tricky sand circuit of Valkenswaard and coming away with a win in qualifying.

After taking a second place finish in moto one, Rutledge found herself leading moto two until a small crash bumped her back to second in the final stages of the race, resulting in a 2-2 moto scorecard.

“I fought so hard and I’m disappointed not to come away with the win but so excited to finish on the podium,” said Rutledge. “That red plate was mine in the second race.”

Rutledge is motivated to take hold of the series lead and admits that she enjoyed the challenge she faced in round one winner Chiara Fontanesi.

“I so wanted to win but I was so exhausted and the small get-off cost me the race win,” she added. “I just want that red plate so badly now. This has been a great experience for me and I loved the challenge.”

Rutledge will now make her way back to Australia to prepare to take on the MXD class the Monster Energy MX Nationals season opener in Raymond Terrace on 14 April.