DIRT NEWS
KIWI TEAM NAMED FOR OCEANIA WOMEN ’ S CUP BID
It will be time to step up and be counted when the top women ’ s motocross stars from Downunder head into a tough competition at the 2024 Honda New Zealand Motocross Grand Prix at Woodville at the end of this month . The first few weeks of 2024 will fly by as elite female motocross riders from both Australia and New Zealand prepare to face off at the inaugural FIM Oceania Women ’ s Cup , being run as an integral part of the iconic Woodville event on the weekend of January 27-28 . Motorcycling New Zealand was thrilled to announce the six-rider Fox New Zealand Women ’ s Motocross Team that will go head-tohead with the best half dozen from Australia . With sponsorship from Fox Racing New Zealand , as the team ’ s naming rights sponsor , along with support from Un4Seen decals , the “ Kiwi Queens ” will comprise Raetihi ’ s Karaitiana Horne , Opunake ’ s Taylar Rampton , Morrinsville ’ s Breanna Rodgers , Palmerston North ’ s Hannah
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Powell , Waipukurau ’ s Aimee Thomsen and Rotorua ’ s Melissa Patterson . The reserve rider for Team New Zealand is Maungaturoto ’ s Meg Patton . Unfortunately for the Kiwi effort , Otago ’ s four-time and current women ’ s motocross world champion Courtney Duncan is unable to compete in the FIM Oceania Women ’ s Cup . On the injured list and also unable to compete are Motueka ’ s former British women ’ s motocross champion Roma Edwards and Hamilton ’ s former New Zealand No . 1 Aime Roberts . Duncan will , however , be attending the event at Woodville as a mentor to the team . MNZ Women ’ s Commissioner Sandra Perry said she was delighted that the inaugural FIM Oceania Women ’ s Motocross Cup will take place at Woodville on Sunday , January 28 . “ Our sport is definitely encouraging women and girls by providing top class events for them to compete in ,” she said .