Image: Octopi Media.

A second-place finish for Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s Cooper Webb in Denver on Saturday night was not an easy result to come by, as the current 450SX championship leader was under the weather throughout the event.

Starting the main event in P2, Webb made a quick move on Malcolm Stewart (Rockstar Energy Husqvarna) to enter the race lead as the green flag flew. The number two would then come under attack from Red Bull KTM’s Chase Sexton, who completed an aggressive move into the lead.

From there, Webb would brave an onslaught from both a resurging Stewart and teammate Justin Cooper during the dying stages of the race, holding on to a vital second-place position in Empower Field.

“It was a tough day in Denver,” recalled Webb post-race. “I’ve been under the weather today and really struggled. I was holding on for dear life at the end of the race, both Justin [Cooper] and Malcolm [Stewart] were charging hard, and I’ll take this second place.

“I just tried to get second [tonight]. That was the goal, to put my head down and do the best I could. When you’re not feeling well, it’s hard to go for those wins – it was not an easy second place by any means.”

Webb’s lead atop the 450SX class standings was cut to nine points following Sexton’s win in Colorado, with one round of the Monster Energy Supercross Championship remaining this weekend in Salt Lake City.