Interview: Courtney Duncan – “You can’t take your health for granted”

Courtney Duncan made an unexpected return to the women’s World Motocross Championship at the opening round in Lacapelle-Marival after missing the entire 2025 season due to serious health issues. The New Zealand rider, a four-time World Champion, had been sidelined by pericarditis, a viral heart condition that forced her into a lengthy period of rest and gradual rehabilitation. Despite a challenging comeback marked by crashes and a cautious physical state, Duncan managed to finish fourth on the second day of racing, leaving her eighth in the championship standings early in the five-round season. Duncan’s absence was a result of the debilitating effects of pericarditis, which severely limited her ability to train and compete. She described the condition as similar to Epstein-Barr virus, requiring her to avoid strenuous activity for months and rebuild her fitness through low-intensity bike rides before returning to competitive racing. The physical and mental toll of the illness made 2025 a lost year for the rider, who admitted she was still regaining her previous race intensity and fitness levels. Her performance in France reflected this ongoing recovery, with a significant time gap behind the race winner indicating that her focus for 2026 would be on rebuilding rather than immediate podium contention. Despite the difficulties, Duncan remains optimistic about her future prospects and the path ahead. She emphasised the importance of health and the unique demands of Grand Prix racing, noting that no amount of training can fully replicate the intensity and conditions of competition. Her determination to regain race rhythm and intensity through continued participation underlines her commitment to returning to top form. Although the current season is shorter and more condensed than previous years, Duncan’s experience and resilience suggest she will remain a formidable presence on the circuit. The broader context of the women’s motocross scene also featured in Duncan’s reflections, particularly the reduction of the World Championship rounds to five in 2026 and the contrasting growth of the American women’s series. While reluctant to comment on the changes to the global championship, she acknowledged the positive momentum in the USA, where the women’s series has been revitalised and is gaining increased exposure alongside the AMA Pro Motocross Championship. Duncan sees potential for the WMX to expand and attract greater attention internationally, especially given the American commitment to developing women’s motocross.