Duncan looking forward to trying out new bike
MOTOCROSS
THE Women’s Motocross Championships restart is just a push of a button away for defending champion Courtney Duncan.
The series resumes later this month in Italy and Duncan will leave for her base in England on Tuesday.
Waiting for her is a brand new bike.
Kawasaki has upgraded to the 2021 model and the setup is quite different from what the 24yearold is used to.
For starters, there is no kickstart. There is just a shiny button instead. Push it and bingo — hopefully.
That might not seem like a big development for those who only take a casual interest in the sport. But it is actually a big deal.
Duncan said her previous bike could be a bit temperamental to kickstart and noone was going to wait for you if you could not get it going.
That little button actually removes a lot of angst.
‘‘The 2021 model was released last month so it is all new,’’ Duncan said.
‘‘But a bike is a bike. The fundamentals are the same.
‘‘There are a few differences but they are all positive changes.
‘‘There is an electric start for instance. I’ve been waiting for that since I’ve been on the fourstroke.
‘‘There is a hydraulic clutch and a new chassis as well. It is pretty much a new bike.’’
The question remains — is it faster?
‘‘I don’t know. But to be honest with you it is not like road racing. We’re not looking for the fastest bikes.
‘‘Obviously, it is nice but it is not essential. Making sure the bike handles well and is set up well for me is the key.’’
Duncan will have about two weeks on the bike before she has to race on it and that was plenty of time she said.
‘‘Having an electric start — just that in itself relieves so much pressure.
‘‘The engine is going to be better as well. They would not release a bike with a bad engine, so I’m excited.
‘‘I have no hesitation. It will be a good bike.’’
The first two events are in
Mantova on September 26 and 30. There is a further event in early November.
Duncan will not have to isolate upon arrival in the United Kingdom or in Italy. But the event organisers have put in place strict procedures.
Her stint in Italy will not be characterised by trips down the road to grab a gelato or an espresso.
She will mostly be confined to her hotel room and the racetrack, so she will have to order in if the mood takes her.
Duncan leads the series with 90 points. German rider Larissa Papenmeier is in second place on 85 points, while sixtime world champion Kiara Fontanesi, of Italy, is in third place on 80 points.
The series was suspended in March due to Covid19.