Justin Barcia believes he was back to his usual self at the weekend’s sixth round of the 2019 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship in Minneapolis after suffering a heavy fall last month at Anaheim 2.

The Monster Energy Yamaha Factory Racing rider experienced a mixed start to his campaign, capturing victory at the season-opener before recording a DNF at A2, while a technical issue ruled him out of San Diego’s mudder.

Despite crashing in the main, Barcia charged back to ninth at Minneapolis, although he believes he was in with a podium chance in Saturday’s 26-lap affair.

“Going into the main event I didn’t make any bike changes, or anything like that I was really comfortable,” Barcia commented. “I was right on the main pack of guys in front of me, I just came into the corner pretty quick, pushed my front end and ended up going down pretty hard and rode home to ninth.

“For me it was a frustrating race to say the least because I felt like I was capable of being on the podium tonight and fighting for the win. It’s definitely frustrating, but I felt like I was back to myself again, comfort wise and stuff, I felt good on the bike.

“I was happy with my riding, just wish I could’ve done better in the main event. Moving on to next weekend I just want to have good starts and get back up front.”

The main was taken out by Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Cooper Webb – his third of the season – followed by points leader Ken Roczen (Team Honda HRC) and Marvin Musquin (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing).