KIWI CROWNED WORLD CHAMPION
JULY 3, 2006: New Zealand has another motocross world champion.
Katherine Prumm has done it! Yes, she’s a world champion!
The 18-year-old teenage motocross sensation from Bombay, New Zealand, took her Molson Kawasaki KX250F to the top of the podium at the final round of the Women's World Cup at Uddevalla, in Sweden, this morning (NZ time) after a remarkable recovery from a broken hand while competing in the United States just six weeks ago.
She finished 2-1 in Sweden this morning to back up her win at the series opener and stamp her authority on the two-round series.
Race one in Sweden saw Prumm having to come from about fifth place early on. She pushed hard and moved up to third, putting in her best lap with two laps to go as she passed French rival Livia Lancelot and moved into second, finishing just behind German star Stephanie Laier.
Prumm had to then wait till both the men’s MX1 and MX2 GP races where completed to
do her final race.
“Imagine the pressure, but she handled it like the champ she is and came out in race two with all guns blazing,” said Kawasaki New Zealand’s Team Green manager Mike Ramsey.
”Katherine started well and, by the end of the first lap was in third place, just behind her main rivals. On lap three she made her move, passing Laier and then moving into the lead after pressuring Lancelot.
“From here she consolidated her lead, finishing 10 seconds ahead of Laier.”
Prumm had settled in well during the practice and qualifying sessions the day before, quickly coming to grips with the track layout and posting the third fastest time in her timed practice session behind Lancelot and Laier.
Tied on points with Lancelot but leading the championship after the first round in Germany in early May, she was able to carry the prestigious red front number plate at Sweden’s final round.
The Kiwi star will have the No.1 on her Kawasaki when she defends her title next season.
It was a remarkable achievement for Prumm, having broken her wrist while racing in the United States just six weeks earlier. The injury not only weakened her grip on the bike but also prevented her from training throughout her recovery period.
“That was the toughest part of my season -- actually overcoming my injury was a big effort and this win is something I have worked so hard for,” said Prumm.
Overall results from the second and final round of the Women’s World Cup in Sweden on Monday:
1st Katherine Prumm (New Zealand, Kawasaki KX250F).
2nd Elin Mann (Sweden, KTM250SX)
3rd Stephanie Laier (Germany, KTM250SX).
World Championship (Overall)
1st Katherine Prumm (New Zealand, Kawasaki) 94 points.
2nd Stepanie Laier (Germany) 87 points.
3rd Livia Lancelot (France) 78 points.
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Originally Posted by Pixie
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