Out of the Blue | Catherine Desrochers | Brought to You by Schrader’s
This week, we feature Catherine Desrochers from Kingsey Falls, Quebec, in our ‘Out of the Blue’ WMX column brought to you by Schrader’s
Name: Catherine Desrochers
Date of Birth: November 97
Hometown: Kingsey Falls, Quebec
Occupation: Work at Cascades
Race Number: 254
Bike: KTM 125XC
Race Club: FMSQ
Classes: Women Pro
Who/what inspired you to get into bikes and how long have you been racing/riding?
At 4, my dad taught me how to ride my first dirt bike, a Suzuki JR50. Since then, I spent a lot of my summer time on a bike and went to my first race at 8 years old on a DRZ110. I’m grateful for everything he did for me on and off the bike.
When not on a dirt bike, how do you keep yourself busy? Are you involved in any other sports or extracurricular activities?
I’ve always been an active girl and I like almost every sport. I spend a lot of time in the gym, on the bicycle or in my running shoes. During the winter, I usually travel to a different country to get out of the routine. Last February, I spent 3 weeks on an Asian motorbike riding all across Vietnam.
As a racer, are there any obstacles you feel a female racer has to deal with that maybe a male racer does not?
Women’s motocross is never really taken seriously by people who don’t know the sport. Visibility has always been less than that of men, but for several years, the FMSQ has worked hard to put girls forward and that makes a very big difference. There are now more than 100 women racing motorcycles in our association.
What event do you look forward to most every year? What’s one you don’t ever want to miss?
Since 2006, I have participated in every race that my cousin Philippe Chainé organized at his home in Victoriaville. I also spent a large part of my childhood practicing on his land with my family. Also, every year many members of my family come to encourage me. Sometimes I get away from the races a little, but I don’t plan to miss this race any time soon.
What are your plans for this upcoming season? Any specific events you’re looking forward to?
After two quieter years that were not anticipated, I decided to make a comeback and participate in all the FMSQ championship races. This winter, I spent a lot of time at the gym. When spring arrived, I was in great shape so I wanted to race and see what I could still do.
What are your biggest accomplishments to date?
In 2019, I won the FMSQ WXC #1 plate. Beside that, it may not be an accomplishment, but I am proud of the progress I have been able to make over the last year. I’m in my prime right now.
What is the biggest lesson that motocross racing/off-road has taught you so far?
In life, if you want something, you have to work hard to get it. If you don’t do it, someone else will.
Are there any females out there who you feel have paved the way for other girls to be successful in motocross or off road?
Véronique Pellerin-Chainé and Félicia Robichaud really pushed women’s motocross/off-road to another level and it was beneficial for the entire women’s expert class. They were always the two fastest and I believe that this motivated many to surpass themselves.
What kind of track/dirt do you feel you excel at most and why?
I don’t excel on any particular type of soil, but I’m very comfortable on all of them. I do feel I can ride fast on sand tracks but my vision and my choice of lines is excellent during a mud race or a much more technical track.
If you could give 1 piece of advice to a female of any age who wants to start riding what would it be?
Even if you feel like you’re not good, you should never give up. The most important thing is to put as much time into the bike as possible and understand that everyone starts at the bottom.
Do you see yourself ever competing in the Canadian WMX Triple Crown series?
Sometimes, I like to participate in a Challenge Quebec race to do something different from our races through the trees. One day I would like to do a Triple Crown National in Deschambault.
Who would you like to thank?
My sponsors for this season: Belrock Transport, Distinction construction, Woody graphic, Ja Per Formance, Gars en direct
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