Courtney Duncan was willing to ride through a broken collarbone before being forced to withdraw from the latest round of the women’s world motocross championship.
The three-time world champion fell in the early stages of practice for last weekend’s meeting in Portugal.
X-rays later revealed Duncan broke her collarbone in the accident.
Despite the pain, Duncan still braved through the rest of the session. She would then take to the start line for the first race before race officials forced her to withdraw.
“I lined up for the first race but due to FIM rules I was unable to ride and got withdrawn,” she said.
After an uncharacteristic opening round in Italy left her sixth in the championship, missing the last two races has seen Duncan slump to 12th.
Her chances of a fourth world title are now looking bleaker and bleaker, especially as the next round in Sardinia marks the year’s halfway point.
But, in typical Kiwi fashion, Duncan says there’s little point in focusing on the past. Instead, it’s all about the next day.
“It’s a tough pill to swallow, and injuries never get easier.
“However, that’s the sport. It doesn’t always go your way and shit happens. Tomorrow is another day and I’ll wake up, lace my shoes up and give it 100 per cent, just like I always do.”
Thankfully, there is a six-week break between now and the next round. Duncan is already taking action to get back in the game sooner.
“At this stage we are unsure of the full extent of the injury. I’ve already arrived in Belgium where I’m scheduled to meet with the surgeon tomorrow to decide what the next step is.”