Out of the Blue: Félicia Robichaud
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Félicia Robichaud
Birthday: April 20th 1995
Hometown: Cornwall, Ontario
School & Grade: Student at University of Montreal
Number: 372
Bike: Yamaha YZ 250 FX
Race Club: FMSQ/GNCC
Classes: Dame Experte/WXC
Let’s get to know Cornwall, Ontario’s Félicia Robichaud. ~ Frank Burelle photo
How did you get started in racing?
My father decided to bring my sisters and me to a race and we have been going ever since.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
I started riding when I was 7 or 8 so I’m not sure what I used to do before bikes, but since the day I got on one I knew I wanted to become the best that I could be.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
I don’t think that it is harder for female to compete because we do have access to all the same resources but I do believe that it is harder for women to get recognition in this sport since it is dominated by men.
Who is your favourite rider and why?
There are way too many good riders out there to just pick one!
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I don’t think there is one in particular. I think there are a lot of women racers that have put effort into promoting women in the sport. Here in Canada, I believe that Shelby Turner, Lexi Pechout and Victoria Hett just to name a few did a really good job showing what Canadian women have to offer!
“Here in Canada, I believe that Shelby Turner, Lexi Pechout and Victoria Hett, just to name a few, did a really good job showing what Canadian women have to offer!” ~ Marianne Brodeur photo
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
I guess I would have to say Loïc Léonard. This kid has so much determination and his devotion to this sport is extremely huge. He has managed to keep his #1 plate for the past 5 years while being a full-time Mechanical Engineering student. It takes a lot of hard work to be able to succeed both academically and in sports.
What is your favourite track and why?
Franklin, just because everyone else hates it (Laughs). And where’s the fun if there is no challenge?
Who is your hero?
My father, without a doubt because he’s the best!
What were your goals for this season?
Wrap up the Enduro and Hare Scrambles championship, which I did!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Going to the ISDE in Italy and Argentina was definitely by far my biggest accomplishments.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Racing! Getting that adrenaline going is what I love the most.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Well, if I’m not at the races then I must be somewhere else on my bike (Laughs).
Félicia says the ISDE in Italy and Argentina are her biggest accomplishments so far. ~ Guy Robichaud photo (ISDE Italy)
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
Hey, if he’s willing to hold the pit board all day that’s not going to bother me, but it is a nice bonus to be able to share the same passion with your significant other.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
Of course, what kind of mother would I be if I kept my kids away from this amazing sport?!
Who do you want to thank?
Laminacorr Racing, Xtreme Miller Sport, Importations Thibault, Scott, MD Distributions, Forma Boots, Evo Suspensions, 6D helmets, Tri-county Stainless, LRP.
