Meghan Rutledge has kicked off her 2015 Women's World Motocross Championship assault with a solid third place finish overall at the opening round held at the Losail circuit in Qatar on the weekend.
Rutledge got off to a top three start in the opening moto and was able to work her way into the lead before being past by fellow Kawasaki rider and eventual round winner Livia Lancelot. Defending champion Kiara Fontanesi also made her way by the Australian late in the race relegating Rutledge to a thrid place finish.
Race two again saw Lancelot take command mid-moto to complete a clear-cut double victory, while Rutledge crossed the line fourth to put the seal on third overall.
‰ÛÏObviously this weekend was not as good as last year; there are just a few problems we have to fix but I‰Ûªm happy to be on the podium of this long series." Rutledge said after the her final race on Saturday night. "I‰Ûªm not 100% yet, but I did the best I could and I‰Ûªm happy with the points.
"Actually I've been sick coming to his GP, and couldn‰Ûªt practice or go to the gym form the last week and a half so this podium is really good.
Rutledge will now turn her attention to round two of the championship next weekend, before focusing on getting 100% fit ready for the the third round a few weeks time.
"The goal is to get another podium next week in Thailand, and then we have a couple of weeks to be stronger before the third round.‰Û
