The action kicked off early in Ohio as the WXC riders launched into the woods for another intense round of the season. FMF KTM Factory Racing Landers’ Brandy Richards made the best start, taking the Landers KTM WXC Holeshot Award and leading the pack into the first section. Her advantage didn’t last long, though, as Rockstar Energy Factory Husqvarna’s Korie Steede quickly closed in to challenge for the front spot.
Around the halfway mark of the two-hour race, Steede found her moment and made the decisive pass for the lead on the slick and tricky Ohio course. Richards stayed right on her rear wheel, trailing by just 1.3 seconds at the next checkpoint. The pair continued to trade pace through the final lap, but Steede managed to hold firm and capture her fifth WXC victory of the season. Richards crossed the line second, just over a second behind, after a fierce and well-fought battle.
Rocky Mountain Red Bear Kawasaki Team Green’s Rachael Archer delivered another steady ride to claim third place, keeping herself in championship contention. The New Zealander will take a seven-point advantage into the season finale at Ironman Raceway, where she’ll go head-to-head with Steede for the national title.
AmPro Yamaha Racing’s Danielle McDonald also looked strong early on and battled inside the top group before running into trouble on the last lap. It was still an encouraging performance considering she was recovering from illness earlier in the week.
Canadian rider Shelby Turner (GasGas) started well and maintained a solid pace to secure fifth overall, keeping an eight-point edge over McDonald in the fight for third in the standings as the series heads to its conclusion. Behind them, KTM’s Addison Harris took sixth place, followed by Yamaha’s Ellie Winland and fellow KTM rider Carly Lee.
The Girls Super Mini class also delivered plenty of excitement. Sahara Robinson captured her seventh win of the season after a thrilling showdown with Jayden Shea, reclaiming the championship lead by just two points heading into the final round. Both riders put on a great display of skill, with Paisley Bland rounding out the day’s podium.