Courtney Duncan isn’t letting the pressure of a possible third world championship get to her.
This weekend Duncan will line up for the final two races in the Woman’s Motorcross World Championship (WMX), with a 16 point lead in the championship.
Duncan recently spoke to Stuff about the weekend ahead.
”I haven’t won it yet so there’s no thoughts past that finish line,” Duncan said.
“You can’t let it get to you too much.
“Obviously all the energy and all the hype can get you more excited a bit earlier than you need to be.
“You just try to stay grounded.”
After a late-race crash last weekend Duncan will also have to manage a fractured finger, making preparation for the races even more important.
Duncan stayed off her bike through the week focusing instead on her recovery, taking time for physio, knowing that the small things can make a difference to a race weekend.
This is Duncan’s sixth season in the series, winning the championship the last two years she is familiar with the pressure it brings.
“I’ve been in this position before.
“I’ve won from being behind and I’ve won from being in front and I’ve lost in similar situations so it’s just about enjoying it, staying calm and doing what I normally do.
“I just want to go out there and ride to the best of my abilities and deliver a championship performance.”
Duncan would rather focus on her performance, putting together a strong weekend than on where she needs to finish to secure the championship.
“Each race unfolds differently just depending on the start, the conditions, everything around you can dictate that.”
“At the end of the day, they win when you win – when I win a world championship, the country wins one.”
The first race of the weekend is at 12.05 am on Sunday morning with the second two hours later at 2.05 am.
Main image:SHOTBYBAVO