Las Vegas, NV – Factory FMF/KTM rider Maria Forsberg was crowned the 2012 AMA Women’s EnduroCross Champion after taking the win in the most exciting race of the season in front of the sold out crowd at The Orleans Arena.

Forsberg was 2nd off the start in the main event but suffered a crash in the tire section on the first lap that dropped her to 5th. It was fellow KTM rider Rachel Gutish who capitalized on the mistake and jumped into the lead. She led for a lap until Forsberg and KTM rider Louise Forsley began to push forward. Both girls were able to pass Gutish at the halfway point and began a tremendous battle for the lead. The crowd was on their feet as both girls were neck and neck heading into the final lap.

The dreaded rock section was an obstacle that the women only had to ride on the final lap and it proved to be the deciding factor in who would win this race. Forsley entered the rock section first but crashed early on. Forsberg came in on the outside and tried to get around Forsley. After struggling on the outside line she moved to an inside line choice that ended up taking her bike straight into Forsley’s. The two girls quickly untangled their bikes trying franticly to get going before the other. It was Forsberg who prevailed and climbed out of the rocks, through the fire pit and over the final tire to take the win. Forsley was able to finish 2nd and Gutish finished 3rd to complete a KTM podium sweep.

Forsberg’s win at the Las Vegas round secured her the 2012 title. She commented, “It feels so great to get this title. I have had an amazing season. To win an X-Games gold medal, go undefeated in the GNCC series and then come out and win this championship has just been amazing. I couldn’t do it without the support of my team, my family and my friends. I want to send a huge thank you out to everyone who helped me this year. It has truly been an incredible year.”

Overall Point Standings:

  1. Maria Forsberg – 141
  2. Louise Forsley – 126
  3. Chantelle Bykerk – 97