MIKKEL HAARUP GETS ANOTHER TASTE OF THE PODIUM

The Dane took full advantage of his fifth place in Qualifying to scythe through turn one in front for the holeshot award in race one and immediately put down the hammer on a clear track to drop all of his chasers bar the 2020 world champion, leading for three laps before his more experienced rival found a gap. But the DRT teamster retained his composure to track the new leader and entering the final two laps the duo were tied together; a tremendous final effort came up just a few metres short as the rivals each recorded their fastest lap of the race. He was edged out at turn one in race two but was quickly through to fifth as a fast-moving leaderboard was covered by just five seconds for half the race; the Dane eventually found his way round the rider directly ahead of him mid-moto for fourth and was able to close the gap to second and third but just ran out of time to launch a final attack. Nevertheless he was already assured of second overall on the day – his best-ever GP result – and his forty-point haul has seen him advance to third in the championship standings after four rounds.
 

Mikkel Haarup: “I started out a little stiff yesterday but we kept working and as everyone can see my race pace is really good and my DRT Kawasaki is really quick; we have those things dialled in. In the first races I put in some good early laps but it was a new situation for me to be leading; I made a few mistakes but I think I handled it pretty well and second is my best moto result so far. The second start was not quite so good as my holeshot device clicked out just as I left the gate but I made some good passes on the first lap amd caught up to the top guys. It was difficult to pass further in the top-five as everyone was running the same speed but we did a really good job as a team again this weekend and I’m getting addicted to the podium. But even more important is to keep improving and getting closer to the championship; that is the focus. I’ve had some good races at Arco where we race next and made some good passes there last time so it should be another good weekend. “

Words & Photos: Kawasaki Eu


Courtney Duncan knows what tough times feel like and unfortunately her start to the 2022 World Women's Motocross Championship (WMX) has been a rough one.

While riding in the free practice session at the second round's MXGP of Portugal on Saturday, the three-time, consecutive world champion had a heavy fall from her Kawasaki KX250.

"I had a big crash early on in practice and although I finished the session, I was in pain, so I had X-rays at the track. They showed a break to my collarbone. I lined up for the first race but due to FIM rules I was unable to ride and got withdrawn," Duncan says.

She was quick to start working on a solution, mindful there is still a six-week gap until the third WMX round in Sardinia on May 14.

"At this stage we are unsure of the full extent of the injury, however I’ve already arrived in Belgium where I'm scheduled to meet with the surgeon tomorrow to decide what the next step is."

This misfortune comes on the back of an uncharacteristically low-placed first round, where the best Duncan (25) could manage was sixth place overall. She had arrived late in Europe and on the back foot after visa hold-up issues left her with no time to properly prepare for the intensity of world-class competition.

Lady luck didn't look after Duncan following the Italian round and a shoulder injury incurred in training soon afterwards meant she had not been able to train for several weeks before Portugal.

"It’s a tough pill to swallow and injuries never get easier. However, that’s sport, it doesn’t always go your way and shit happens. Tomorrow is another day and I’ll wake up, lace my shoes up and give it 100 percent, just like I always do."

Upcoming Racing:

Mikkel Haarup MX2 - Round 5:
Sunday 10th April, MXGP of Trentino, Italy.

Courtney Duncan WMX - Round 3:
Saturday 14th May, MXGP of Sardinia, Italy.


Follow Dixon Racing through the season on their Instagram.

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