David Knight and the Desmo450 MX Factory claim their first international victory, winning the final COMP-GP race at the All Japan Cross Country Championship

David Knight secured a dominant victory in COMP-GP at AAGP GAIA, the ninth and final round of the Japan National Cross Country Championship (JNCC), held at Wild Cross Park GAIA in Omachi City on the 8th November. 

Despite having visited Japan previously for a brief three-day training school, this trip offered the first real opportunity to race there, and with it a completely unknown field of competitors. Facing around 150 riders, including former motocross GP contenders, Knight went into the event unsure of how his pace on the Ducati Desmo450 MX Factory would stack up.

Heavy rain on Friday left the combined woods and enduro cross course deeply muddy, threatening a gruelling slog for race day. However, strong winds on Saturday dried the track out significantly, leaving a technical rutted and multi-lined circuit.

Competing on a Desmo450 MX Factory, fitted with standard enduro suspension and Knighter’s preferred gearing and handlebars, Knight defied his usual slow-starting habit by launching into fourth place. After navigating the man-made enduro cross section, he moved into second behind the reigning eight-time champion.

Recognising the value of a clean track early on, Knight followed the leader up a sharp climb before capitalising on a mistake over a long, technical hill to take the lead on the first lap. By the end of the opening eight-minute circuit, he had already pulled a ten-second advantage, which he steadily extended to nearly four minutes by the halfway mark.

From the pit stop onward, the race became a test of patience and endurance. Battling early arm pump and navigating heavy lapped traffic on a tight, busy course, Knight focused on managing his gap cleanly and safely while soaking in the atmosphere from the cheering crowds and the Ducati Japan team to take a dominant win with a four-minute gap.

David Knight, Team Ducati #101
"Honestly, Japan is one of the best places I’ve ever been. It’s so laid back and the mountains are incredible. Going into the race, I had no clue how fast the local guys would be, especially with a couple of former Grand Prix riders in the mix, so you're stepping into the unknown.

The bike was pretty much a standard Desmo450 MX Factory, with enduro suspension and tyres, and it felt great all race. I actually got a decent start for once, tucked in behind the eight-time champion, and managed to get past him when he took a bad line over one of the big hills. With 150 riders on an eight-minute lap, traffic was always going to be tricky, so getting to the front early and pulling a gap was definitely the right call. I had to manage a bit of arm pump early on, but once I settled in after the pit stop, I just tried to enjoy it. Having the Ducati boys out there cheering me on made a massive difference, it was a brilliant event."