Motocross: Courtney Duncan closing in on third world title in a row

Courtney Duncan of New Zealand. Photo / Ray Archer and Monster Energy

Courtney Duncan shook off the effects of a fractured finger to close in on a third consecutive women's world motocross championship title at the penultimate round in Spain.

The Dunedin rider finished second in the first race before winning the second to extend her lead over Italian Kiara Fontanesi from nine to 16 points.

Duncan crashed while leading in the first race and spent most of the time between races getting medical attention.

"Pretty good weekend, can't complain too much," Duncan told NZME.

"First moto wasn't quite as good as the second one, took a pretty big crash with a couple laps to go, all my own fault. It was a stupid mistake, but you live and you learn.

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"I was pretty lucky to walk away healthy with a little fracture. It was pretty hectic between races - the nail was sticking out from my finger.

"There is only an hour between races, and I ended up in medical for 40 minutes trying to get the finger stitched and the nail fixed.

"I only had 10 minutes to get ready and go again. I was pretty proud of that performance - there was a lot going on between races.

"To stay composed, especially when you are under the pump, the points are tight, to deliver a win like that was nice."

Duncan didn't appear to feel under much pressure going into the final round in Italy this weekend, particularly after one of her most impressive wins this season in the second Spanish race.

"For me it's more excitement - I look back at my childhood and I'm in the position I dream of being in," said Duncan, who was riding the latest Kawasaki bike for the first time in Spain.

"I wanted to be here - you just can't wait to get out there amongst it.

"This weekend was the first race with fans back in the pits which was awesome - I forgot how much joy they bring to the sport.

"Hopefully a few show up this weekend and we bring our A game - the fractured finger isn't going to hold me back."