Otago's Courtney Duncan (Altherm JCR Yamaha YZ250F) prepares to take on the world's elite women. Photo by Andy McGechan, BikesportNZ.com
Otago motocross rider Courtney Duncan has won the opening round of the Women's World Motocross Championship in Qatar.
Duncan (20), of Palmerston, was competing for the first time at that level.
The Yamaha rider is coached by former world No2 Josh Coppins, of Motueka, and has been training regularly with him in the build-up for her world campaign.
Duncan said last week she hoped a strong performance might result in an invitation to complete the championships.
The six-round women's series continues in The Netherlands (March 28), Germany (May 8), France (June 5) and Switzerland (August 7) before wrapping up at Assen, in The Netherlands again, on August 28.
