KIWI RIDER NOVEMBER 2021 VOL1 | Page 101

second lap we saw a change for the lead as Duncan was able to get around the German . Van De Ven was also setting herself up to launch an attack on Andersen , as Fontanesi got by Giorgia Montini for 10th . Duncan then stretched the lead to 4.391 seconds over Papenmeier who continued ahead of Valk and Van De Ven who finally managed to get by Andersen . Duncan had full control of the race until the chequered flag , to add race win number five of the season as Papenmeier crossed the line second , ahead of Van De Ven who was able to get by Valk . “ Obviously it was a good season with good battles , good races and bad races ,” Duncan said . “ I just made the best out of every situation this year , fought for every point I could , and it feels great to win a third championship . It hasn ’ t probably really sunk it yet , but it will feel good tomorrow and the days to come . My day today started off not too bad . The first race I got third and I got a little nervous there . The girls out front ran really good but I was able to finish third and obviously close the championship with a race to go . I think I was in control with a couple laps into the race and rode really well to keep myself in that position . It was nice to end the season with a win and I am going to enjoy it ”. With a race win and a second , Papenmeier won the final round of the series , with Duncan second on the podium , while Van De Ven was third . In terms of the championship , Duncan secured her third consecutive world title as Nancy Van De Ven finished the 2021 season with the silver medal ahead of Fontanesi who had to settle for bronze . In a disappointing turn of events , it has become apparent through Motorcycling New Zealand ’ s Women ’ s Commission that , despite her three-time World Champion status , Duncan won ’ t be able to return to New Zealand any time soon due to not being able to secure a spot in MIQ – a courtesy extended to many other top Kiwi athletes . “ Courtney Duncan has successfully defended
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