Inspirational women racing in 2024 – Bike. These women have achieved unique records racing varying Motorsport disciplines over length of time which has not only motivated a younger generation of females to pursue their passion to race, but has also provided insight on activating inner strength of courage, committment, and dedication to race from one season to the next.
Specifically, these women give credence to the fact that staying power produces winning results – no matter what challenges are presented along the way. From gaining almighty financial sponsorship to race, to training pre-during-and off season, to managing the all important aspects of sustaining a healthy body and mind – this group of women lead by example on perfecting the formula to race for the win.
The fact sheet speaks volumes on how each women has dug deep, time and time again to push goal posts out that much further every race season. As each basks in the glory of winning a race, or standing on the podium, or gaining greater exposure for their sponsors – rider’s know that their results are only as good as the last and the next race presents an opportunity to excel on the track, sustaining forward momentum of their racing careers.
So, who are these trail-blazing women who have taken up the mantle to claim the ultimate victories in racing Motorsport World Championship? Starting with New Zealand’s Courtney Duncan whose stellar performance racing Women’s Motocross World Championship has claimed 4x Titles in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 and Italy’s Kiara Fontanesi who has set historical precedent winning WMX 6x in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018.
For Courtney, growing up and riding MX in New Zealand – with the goal of racing the best women rider’s in the world – was always the main focus – even when racing FIM Junior World Championship on her 85cc in 2009. The stepping stones included gaining experience racing in America’s Amateur Championships – at Ponca City and Loretta Lynn’s before returning back home and competing against the guys in NZ’s only MX Grand Prix at Woodville. Racing MX2, Courtney confirmed her talent and skills on the bike matched and beat rider’s who had spent the season racing in Australia and Europe – in MX2 and EMX 125cc classes.
For Kiara, racing WMX was founded on a deep love of riding a bike, a desire to win, and compete at the highest possible level surrounded and supported by family and close friends. The main principle of thought has formed the basis of all decisions made – from gaining sponsors, to elevating the status of WMX, to sharing her knowledge and experience with rider’s at training sessions, to winning 6 WMX Titles over the course of racing the World Championship for 14 years.
Both women possess inherent strength of mind to face each and every challenge that occurred on and off the track and rise above – a divide by conquer rule of thumb. For Courtney, the unknown factors of training in preparation to race WMX based in NZ required massive amounts of self-belief that her speed would match and better her competitors. For Kiara, winning her first Title n 2012, merely fueled her desire to repeat the victory – all while balancing her belief that family and having children were equal in importance to leading a fulfilling life.
Spain’s most diverse and talented rider – Sandra Gomez spearheads the charge on inspiring a younger generation of females to push their capabilities on a bike. Whether riding for fun, or training for a race, Sandra embraces the challenge of riding on terrain deemed difficult – too rocky, too wet, too steep, too sandy, or too long to complete with minimal mistakes. For certain, Sandra’s career profile reads from a long list of accomplishments: multiple Trials GP and Trial Des Nations victories, first female to finish Red Bull Romaniacs Gold Class, and recently winner of E Xplorer women’s category. The completion of Rally du Maroc breaks another milestone to compete in The Dakar Rally for a 3rd time.
Competing in Women’s Enduro World Championship, America’s GNCC WXC, and ISDE Women’s World Trophy, the following women have etched their names in Motorsport history. Starting with Spain’s Mireia Badia who won her first Women’s Enduro World Championship Title in September, 2024. Mireia’s consistency of results and lazer-like focus on making every special test count confirmed how dedication to achieving the ultimate prize over-rides any thoughts of failure.
America’s Rachel Gutish represents true grit and determination to race known and unknown disciplines with equal amounts of passion and enthusiasm to stand on the podium. Take 2024 alone – Rachel has competed and stood on the podium steps of GNCC WXC, Women’s Enduro World Championship and E Xplorer prior to taking the win in ISDE Women’s World Trophy with Team United States. The longevity of Rachel’s racing career sends clear message to all – do what you love and love what you do.
Rounding out women competing in Enduro and Cross Country Championships is New Zealand’s Racheal Archer. Having won her 3rd consecutive GNCC WXC Title in September 2024, Rachael completed debut entry in ISDE WWT to nail P2 overall in Individual category. A remarkable feat given the seasoned competition amongst the 11 Nations – 3 rider’s per Nation – and a welcome boost to any female seeking to extend their racing portfolio that extra bit further.
Header photo: Image: MXGP Graphics: MXLink.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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