DOHA: Australian rider Meghan Kat Rutlegde brought delight to Kawasaki camp by winning both the races in round one of the WMX World Motocross Championship on the dirt track inside Losail International Circuit. Rutlegde, who won race one comfortable earlier yesterday, stormed to win race two also, bagging the maximum available tally of 50 points.
The 19-year-old Australian produced commanding performances in both races, winning the first in a time of 25 minutes 47.520 seconds and then improved her stats to 24:48.548 in the second outing. In race two, Rutlegde finished the 20-lap race ahead of French rider Livia Lancelot (Kawasaki, 24:57.642) and Ireland’s Natalie Kane (KTM, 25:14.159).
Earlier In race one, Rutledge coasted to her first win ahead of Kane (26:00.105) and Dutch rider Nancy van dd Ven (26:02.105) to pocket 25 points.
“I was really hoping for a result like this. I have enjoyed it so far,” Rutledge said.
When asked about her goals in the new season, the Australian said: “I finished second last year so obviously there is one thing I need to do and that is to win the championship.”
The Australian said racing in Qatar was a new experience.
“This is the first time I am racing under lights. Obviously it is a new experience for me and I am enjoying it,” she added. The next round will be held in April.
The Peninsula
