Rutledge chasing Australia’s first MX world title
The Kawasaki-backed rider from Picton is only four points from the championship lead heading into the final round in the Czech RepublicMeghan Rutledge, 18, is on the cusp of creating history for Australia as the first ever winner of a world motocross title.
Jeff Leisk, Chad Reed and the late Andrew McFarlane have all come close – second places – but the Kawasaki-backed Rutledge could usurp them all if she manages to overcome defending champion Chiara Fontanesi (Yamaha) at the final round in the Czech Republic this weekend (July 26-27).
Currently, Fontanesi is a four-point leader over Rutledge (210 to 206), followed by Frenchwoman Livia Lancelot (Kawasaki, 187) and German Stephanie Laier (Suzuki, 176). Mathematically, all four women can still win the title, but in reality it’s an Italian versus Australian shootout – and Rutledge can become world champion in the most emphatic way by winning both motos, regardless of where Fontanesi finishes.
“I want nothing more than to become world champion,” said Rutledge, who hails from Picton (NSW). “I feel really good and know in myself that I can do it. I've been battling illness recently which has hampered me but I'm 100 per cent fit now and ready to go out there and do what I need to do. I really want this.”
In 1989, Leisk was runner-up behind Briton Dave Thorpe in the 500cc title, and in 2001 Reed was bested by Mickael Pichon in the 250cc series. In 2006, McFarlane finished second behind Italian Antonio Cairoli in the MX2 battle.
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