Courtney Duncan sat out last weekend’s third round of the women’s world motocross championship, all but ending her chances of a fourth world championship.
However, it was a decision she made herself, believing it would ensure she could return to full health and maximum competitiveness for the final two rounds.
“As a racer, it can always be a difficult decision knowing when’s the right time to come back,” she said.
You don’t want to return too early and step yourself further back.
“Sitting out the Sardegna GP wasn’t taken lightly, but I know it’s the right thing to do, as the recovery would have been rushed, and I wouldn’t have been ready.
“At the elite level, you need to be at 100 per cent to commit to the task and we aren’t there yet.”
Unfortunately, Duncan concedes that her efforts for a record-tying fourth straight world title are over.
“We can’t change it, so we’ve switched our focus to making a strong comeback to racing for the last two rounds.”
Since her crash during a practice session in Portugal, Duncan has undergone surgery on her collarbone.
But her determination to get back on the bike remains as strong as ever, and Duncan has been hitting the gym twice daily.
She has also spent time with friends to put her mind at ease.
“I stayed with a mate for a couple of weeks and it was good to hang out with a friend and take my mind off everything that had happened.”
And while the pain of losing out on a world championship stings, Duncan admits it’s just part of the sport she loves.
“The rewards are huge but the consequences are huge too. It’s something we are aware of when we step onto the turf. That’s the beauty of elite sport.”
The championship’s penultimate round is in Spain at the end of the Month, with Duncan returning as the circuit’s most recent winner.
