Out of the Blue: Émilie Laliberté|Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
Out of the Blue is presented by Schrader’s.
Name: Émilie Laliberté
Birthday: January 27th
Hometown: Acton Vale, QC
School & Grade: Now in CEGEP at Saint-Hyacinthe, but in September I’m going to Sherbrooke University to become an elementary teacher.
Number: 59
Bike: Honda CRF250R
Race Club: AMXQ, Challenge Québec
Classes: Women B
Let’s get to know Acton Vale, Quebec, rider, Émilie Laliberté. – Laliberté photo
How did you get started in racing?
I’m in the race world since I was born. From as long as I can remember, my parents brought me to every race they where going. My father started to race when he was a teen and never stopped. Funny fact: my parents met at a race, like 25 years ago. Last summer, I asked my father if I could do motocross instead of soccer and he said yes, so here I am!
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
No, like I said, I played soccer like every normal kid. At a young age, I did what every girl does – gymnastics and dance. I never thought when I was young that I would and could ride a bike.
“My favourite part it’s just being at the track. I’m always happy when we leave on the Friday night because I know that it’s two days of what I love.” – Laliberté photo
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
Not really. There’s special classes for us to race, even if we’re not pro. The challenge for every girl in every sport is to be seen and recognized like boys’ sports are.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
It’s hard to say because they’re all so good to me. To choose one, I would say Ken Roczen. He’s always giving 100%, he’s fast and really impressive. Plus, he’s cute (Laughs).
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Kim Normandin is really a huge inspiration to me. She’s an example that we can be successful in this sport and have a job at the same time. She impresses me every time I see her race. If I could only be 1/4 as good as her in my entire motocross career, I would be happy.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Kaven Benoit is an amazing Canadian rider. He worked hard through all the years to end up with the MX2 championship. I’m sure he will do the same in the MX1 classes and I can’t wait to see him ride this summer. He’s the Quebec representation and we’re proud.
What is your favourite track and why?
Deschambault is my favourite track. It’s a long, natural track where I can improved my technique and my speed.
Who is your hero?
My mother is my hero. She’s everywhere at the same time. Every time she can give her time for a cause or help somewhere, she does it. She’s always there to support and encourage my brother and me in everything we do. My mother gave so much to me through the years that it’s impossible to thanks her for what she did. When I’ll be a mom, I hope that I would be like her to my kids.
What are your goals for this season?
My one and only goal is to finish every race I start. I want to have fun, get faster and over all not get hurt to be able to work on Monday morning (Laughs).
What are your biggest accomplishments?
In sport, it’s when I finished my first race last summer. I really was proud of myself. Out of sport, my accomplishment is to enter University in September.
“Kaven Benoit is an amazing Canadian rider. He worked hard through all the years to end up with the MX2 championship. I’m sure he will do the same in the MX1 classes and I can’t wait to see him ride this summer.” – Laliberté photo
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
My favourite part it’s just being at the track. I’m always happy when we leave on the Friday night because I know that it’s two days of what I love. Even when I don’t race I’m happy to be there because I can see some motocross action. Race weekends are always fun weekends.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
My new passion for last summer is to run. I like to put my shoes and my music on and just run in town. I spend some time with my friends, and I also like my job.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
It’s only a big bonus! As long as he like motocross, even only a little I can deal with it (Laughs).
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Only if they want to. I’ll never force them to like something I do. If they don’t want to race I’ll still love them anyway!
Who do you want to thank?
My parents, for sure. They are my #1 (and only) sponsors. I couldn’t make it without them. I also like to thank my friends who encouraged me.
