Cannon leads Team Australia to narrow 2-point victory over USA in high-stakes final

Australia successfully defended its FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup title in Wonthaggi, narrowly defeating Team USA in a hard-fought contest over the weekend of March 22-23, 2025.

Led by Charli Cannon, Team Australia had to stage a comeback to retain the trophy they first claimed in 2024. The competition remained intense until the very end, with Australia edging out the USA by just 2 points (77 to 79) in an exciting display of women’s motocross.

Team New Zealand finished third with 174 points, while Team Africa secured fourth place with 243 points in a tournament that expanded to feature more teams. The event was held alongside the opening round of the 2025 Penrite ProMX Championship, under ideal Victorian weather conditions.

Each team’s overall score was determined by their best 14 results, with their lowest-scoring finish discarded.

“I’m so proud to be part of Team Australia winning the FIM Oceania Women’s Motocross Cup for the second year in succession,” said Cannon. “Of course, it was a much tougher event in 2025, but we remained focussed on the task at hand.

“I’d like to thank everyone who supported us and congrats on all the teams which competed. The event was held in great spirit and camaraderie, and it was sensational to be involved in.”

Cannon, Australia’s captain, put on a dominant performance, winning all three motos—her smallest winning margin being 28 seconds. She was strongly backed by Taylah McCutcheon (Kawasaki) and Taylor Thompson (KTM), both securing consistent top-10 finishes.

In addition, Madison Healey (GASGAS) and newcomer Madi Simpson (Yamaha) performed solidly, giving Australia the slight but crucial advantage they needed as the competition came down to the wire.

Team USA made a strong start on Saturday, with all five riders—Kyleigh Stallings (Kawasaki, captain), Jamie Astudillo (KTM), Jordan Jarvis (Yamaha), Lachlan Turner (Yamaha), and Mikayla Nielsen (Honda)—placing in the top 10 in moto one. Turner and Jarvis secured second and third places behind Cannon, giving Team USA an early lead.

However, Australia turned the tide in Sunday’s second moto, setting the stage for an intense final race. In the decisive moto three, USA riders Turner, Jarvis, and Nielsen finished in positions 2-4, but Cannon’s exceptional performance ultimately secured victory for Australia.

New Zealand’s best performer was Karaitiana Horne (Kawasaki), with captain Aime Roberts (Yamaha), Taylar Rampton (Kawasaki), Mikayla Griffiths (Yamaha), and Milla Dahlenberg (KTM) competing just outside the top 10.

Team Africa, making their debut in the FIM Oceania event, faced a challenging contest. Their five-rider squad—Leah Heygate (KTM, captain), Atete Benzinge (KTM), Zoe Lee Waldschmidt (KTM), Zoe Botha (KTM), and Kateete Sharifah (GASGAS)—persevered despite tough competition. Heygate was the fastest among them, while Sharifah was unable to compete in moto two after a crash during the warm-up lap.

In the individual standings, Cannon clinched first place, followed by Jarvis in second and Turner in third.

Full results available here.