KIWI RIDER 09 2019 VOL2 | Page 17

DUNCAN WINS WORLD TITLE I t’s finally happened for our high-flying Kiwi Girl, Courtney Duncan has clinched the Women’s World MX title in Turkey in her maiden year with Kawasaki. “It was so cool to clinch the title yesterday and take away the pressure,” she said from Turkey. “I had nothing to lose so I just put down the hammer today; I had a good flow, could have fun, throw some whips and embrace the moment. What a way to end the series! Nine motos out of ten and four GPs out of five! The whole year has been so amazing.” It has been a remarkable turnaround in form for Duncan, who has suffered from hot and cold spells over previous seasons. “I was in a dark spot last year, in a rut mentally and physically,” she said. “But Steve took a chance on me and I really gelled with the team and the bike from day one. We committed and we succeeded! I’m having as much fun this year as I did when I started riding way back at seven years of age; that’s so important and it’s what brings results. We switched to the 2020 [KX250] at Loket in July and the results speak for themselves with six wins from six starts; it’s such a nice bike. I’m just so grateful to my family for all they did to make this possible for me and it’s great to have them here this weekend to share this moment.” KIWI RIDER 17