But it is Raglan's Jason Dickey who leads the cross-country nationals and, with only three of the four rounds to be counted — riders to discard their one worst result — it means there is really only a slim chance that Reardon can snatch then title.
All the same, Reardon reckons he'd be thrilled with an overall runner-up finish in the cross-country nationals — it would be a career-best result for him.
He attributes his recent successes to hard work.
"It's been looking good for me this season," said Reardon.
"I have been training very hard this year and it's paying off. I'm in the gym every day and spend lots of time on the bike, riding Wednesdays and at the weekends.
"I don't know why I've been going so well ... I've had no problems; the bike is awesome, so reliable; my fitness is the best it's ever been; I've been practicing my starts a lot ... it all helps.
"I got a good start at Mosgiel on Sunday. I was in about third position into turn one, but then eight riders cut me off at the third marker peg, cutting the course, and that dropped me back.
"It was a bit of karma just after that because a bunch of them got stuck in a mud bog and I just chose a better line and scooted back past them again and was up to third place.
"I had a great battle with (Raglan's) Brandon Given throughout the race as we fought over the runner-up spot ... Jason Dickey was long gone by then. Dickey is on fire at the moment, but I was happy to finish second. That's my best result at the nationals."
The 90-minute junior race at Mosgiel on Sunday was won by Eltham's defending national junior champion Adam Loveridge, with the round one winner from Raglan, Coby Rooks, this time accepting second place.
Taupo Yamaha rider Wil Yeoman completed the junior podium at Mosgiel.
There will be little rest now for Reardon especially, the double championship campaigner preparing now for round two of the enduro nationals on the Kapiti Coast on Saturday, April 6, and then round three of the cross-country nationals in Marlborough on Sunday, April 14.
