Kiwi motocross ace Courtney Duncan hoping third time's a charm after twice missing maiden world series crown

Kiwi Motocross rider Courtney Duncan is hoping third times a charm, as she looks to win her maiden world series crown.

Duncan's first two campaigns have seen her fall agonisingly short of a title, with two crashes in the final rounds pushing her off top spot on the podium.

When asked on what's changed since her debut, Duncan says she's learnt a lot.

"I'm no longer a rookie, so I can't make those rookie mistakes," said Duncan.

She's also had to overcome off-season ACL surgery on her right knee, the fourth time she's had such surgery, despite only being 22.

"The knee's pretty good, obviously good enough to be back on the bike, but obviously the rehab never stops."

Duncan flies out to Belgium tonight, before her first race in Italy in April.