Image: Supplied.

Incoming 250SX West title favorite Haiden Deegan was left frustrated after being affected by arm-pump in San Diego, salvaging a third-place result in what was his first podium of the 2025 season.

Deegan entered Anaheim 1 at short odds, but the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing rider was forced to ride through the pack to P5 following an opening lap incident one week prior.

After qualifying quickest at round two, he rallied to third in his heat race, but had to work his way forward from P8 at the conclusion of the opening lap at Snapdragon Stadium, eventually finishing P3 behind breakout winner Julien Beaumer (RED BULL KTM) and Jordon Smith (Triumph Racing).

“The boys rode good today,” Deegan recalled. “I just was a little restricted… Got to work on this arm-pump. It’s something I really struggled with, but we’ll figure it out. It’s nothing, no hurdle we’ve not had to figure out before. So yeah, we’ll figure it out. But besides that, yeah, we’ll pick it up.

“I just want to win – it’s miserable not winning. I go through these weeks and it sucks, but we’ll figure it out. It will come around here soon. Just at least positive, got through this round safe and still a podium, so we’ve just got to figure out how to get to that top step.”

For Deegan, the arrival of Beaumer – who finished second at A1 before winning last night to take charge of the red plate – as a championship threat signals what could be the rivalry of the season, while Smith too has demonstrated his form after switching from Star Racing to Triumph for this year, also claiming a pair of podiums so far.

It’s Beaumer who currently leads the points, five clear of class veteran Smith, with Deegan climbing to fourth position and 10 points outside of the series lead.