2020 Women Motocross World Championship Opening Round at MXGP of Matterley Basin has produced truly incredible results setting tone for the world best women riders battling not only competitive line-up on gate but also extreme weather and track conditions for racing.
With Saturday’s time-table re-scheduled due to blast of stormy conditions the night before, WMX Free Practice and Qualifying was delayed until after mid-day giving race organizers time to mend up-ended structures at start area and re-shape track.
At gate-drop Nancy Van de Ven took early lead followed by Courtney Duncan, Danish rider Sara Andersen, Amandine Verstappen and Larissa Papenmeier rounding out top 5. Italian WMX 6x Champion Kiara Fontanesi was back in 19th.
It was unfortunate that Van de Ven fell on Lap 2 giving Duncan free track space ahead to consolidate gap over riders pushing through the field as well as those falling over in the tough, muddy track conditions.
By Lap 4 positions had changed with Sara Andersen taking a spill along with Amandine Verstappen having plenty to be annoyed about, eventually having to retire out of the race. Kiara Fontanesi made short work of picking up places and was cutting some fine split-times up to 5th with Lynn Valk making impressive entry into top 5.
Second half of WMX Race 1 was push comes to shove with Fontanesi giving untapped amount of will power against her competitors, closing the gap on Duncan from 24 seconds down to 11 at chequered. So amazing, even unheard of given Kiara gave birth to daughter Skyler only 3 months ago.
Courtney took Race 1 win riding consistent Lap times, even though under pressure from fast approaching Fontanesi. Lynn Valk produced great ride to take 3rd place having gained plenty of additional experience from finishing 2019 WMX 7th Overall.
Huge props to American Jordan Jarvis who made difficult head-way from back in the field at the start and then powered her way through the mud to finish in 7th place. Jordan’s Lap times were equal to top 5 positions, giving the current leading Women SX Futures class holder plenty to feel proud about heading into Race 2 in 10 hours time.
WMX Race 2 Sunday 8.25am. Film edit: WMX Race 1 Highlights MXGP of Great Britain 2020
Words: Sharon Cox.
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