The 2025 FIM Women’s Motocross World Championship (WMX) season is set to kick off this weekend in the demanding deep sand of Riola Sardo, Sardinia. However, one major name is missing from the entry list—four-time WMX champion Courtney Duncan.
Duncan, a perennial title contender, recently made a switch in teams for the 2025 season. While remaining on Kawasaki machinery, she has moved from the F&H Racing Team back to DRT Kawasaki, a team where she previously found success, winning multiple WMX titles.
Despite an otherwise solid off-season preparation, Duncan has been forced to sit out the opening round due to a respiratory condition. Team owner Steve Dixon confirmed the news and provided further details on the situation via a press release:
“With the first round of the WMX this weekend in Sardinia, we should be there with Courtney Duncan, but she has a respiratory condition that means training at high intensity could be dangerous. Whilst this is temporary, after a good off-season, we must follow the specialist advice and take her return slowly and with guidance.”
At this stage, there is no confirmed timeline for Duncan’s return to racing. The absence from at least one round presents a significant challenge to her title aspirations for the 2025 season. Given the short nature of the WMX calendar, missing even a single round could make it extremely difficult for her to mount a championship challenge.
Duncan’s absence is undoubtedly a blow to the championship, but her health remains the priority. Fingers crossed she can make a full recovery as soon as possible.
The main protagonists for the WMX series will de reigning champion, Lotte van Drunen, Daniela Guillen, Lynn Valk and the experienced Kiara Fontanesi.
