Motocross: Double recognition of Duncan's achievements

Palmerston motocross rider Courtney Duncan achieved an award-winning double over the weekend.

Duncan (20) picked up the junior sportswoman award at the Otago sports awards in Dunedin on Friday night.

Then on Saturday night, Duncan was named best up-and-coming off-road rider at the awards night at Motorcycling New Zealand's conference in Wellington.

The awards marked their centenary with a special function at Te Papa.

Duncan became the first female to win the Grand Prix title in the senior MX2 class at the New Zealand Motocross GP at Woodville at the start of the year, before embarking on her debut Women's Motocross World Championships campaign in Europe.

She won three of the first four races in the world series, before falling victim to a freak crash at the German Grand Prix earlier this month, when she collided with a photographer who should not have been standing on the track. Seriously injured, she returned home for surgery and to recover. She hopes to resume her campaign as soon as possible, although her title prospects have now dimmed considerably.

Add a Comment