Image: Supplied.

Four-time WMX world champion Courtney Duncan made a long-awaited return to the podium at the MXGP of Great Britain, recording 2-3 moto finishes for third overall after an extended battle with illness.

The New Zealander missed the entire 2025 season after being diagnosed with pericarditis, forcing her to the sidelines as she focused on a gradual recovery throughout the year.

Returning to the series with Dixon Racing Team Kawasaki in 2026 – the team with which she won all four of her world titles – the 29-year-old has shown encouraging progress, with steady results across the opening rounds placing her third in the championship standings.

“Obviously, it’s been a really long road to get back here,” reflected Duncan. “It’s easy to forget that it was only 12 months ago that I was struggling to do an indoor spin bike for 30 minutes – it’s pretty cool to be back battling with the world’s best and running back up front.

“In that first race, I came in one-second shy of the win, so that was awesome considering I started outside the top-15. It was a nice charge, and I guess a little glimpse of my old self there – we are still not quite back to where we want to be, but we are definitely making the steps to get back there.

“Naturally, as a racer, the further I get up there, the more I want. I’m super-happy, but I want more, and I am going to keep working until I get there. I want to get a win sooner rather than later.”

Double moto victories in the UK saw Kiara Fontanesi move into the championship lead over Daniela Guillen, while Duncan now sits 41 points back in P3. Current WMX champion Lotte van Drunen has endured a difficult title defence, positioned seventh in the standings.

Two rounds remain in the WMX season, with Arnhem in the Netherlands hosting round four on August 22-23 before the championship concludes at the MXGP of Australia in Darwin on September 19-20.