Out of the Blue: Isabel Beaucage
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Isabel Beaucage
Hometown: Laval Quebec
Birthday: 09/29/92
Occupation: Photographer at Ferlandphoto
Race Club: FMSQ
Number: 235
Bike: Kawasaki KX 100
Class: Dame A
Let’s get to know #235 Isabel Beaucage. ~ Emilie Lessard photo
How did you get started in racing?
I always had interested in motocross, since I was young. I met my daughter’s father in 2012. Since I race, he literally gave me the sting. He was, himself, racing for few years already. He helped me a lot to evolve and improve in this sport. Even if we are not together, he never ceases to help me, I owe him a lot.
“If you told me a few years ago that I would be racing, I would laugh at you!” ~Maude Giroux photo
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
No, I didn’t expect that! If you told me a few years ago that I would be racing, I would laugh at you! I was so impressed (and am still) how much the Pros seem to fly when they ride their bikes! It takes a lot of strength and endurance, both physically and mentally. The Pro riders impress me a lot.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
I think yes, mostly because when you think about motocross, all you see is boys boys boys! When you say to someone that you ride a bike, they either find you strange or are impressed. The classes are smaller and therefore, get less visibility. It’s wonderful to see more and more women having interest in this sport, adding a bit more pink to all that blue. Not only men have the right to bite the dust!
Isabel’s favourite motocross rider is Ryan Dungey. ~ Alex Dubois photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Ryan Dungey for MX, he has a lot of experience by riding a lot; he’s constant. He always overcomes his own objectives, and I find that consistence is a lot more important than finishing 1st only for a year.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Yes. A friend of mine in Endurocross, Felicia Robichaud. She’s a wonderful example and inspiration for us all. She even raced with men last year for a bigger challenge! I admire her a lot, she never ceases to surpass herself. She has a lot of determination.
What is your favourite track and why?
Probably enduro of Victoriaville. Long tracks, rocks and rough terrain, lot’s of roots. Even if we don’t finish in position, we are proud of riding it!
Who is your hero?
My dad, as every little girl would say! He taught me to never give up and keep my head up. I think that, in this sport, this is exactly what we need. If we listen to all the saying around motocross by people who, sadly, doesn’t know anything about this sport, we would be totally demolished by the comments. He showed me to keep my determination and do what I love, live for what I cherish.
What are your goals for this season?
Championship FMSQ Dame A, but if not, just surpass myself, always, keep pushing up. It’s hard for a mom and a full-time worker to keep a good balance, that’s why I mostly race for fun. I am proud to be able to do so, even if I wish I had more time to do so.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
My little girl, and winning the championship 2013 Dame B. Each day I do my best to learn new things, but my biggest accomplishment will be to show Megan that when you want, you can! When we keep our heads high, we can do anything!
Like everyone, Isabel’s favourite part about going to the races is the family atmosphere. ~ Emilie Lessard photo
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
All the family and friends! It’s beautiful to see how much people help each other in FMSQ. True quality time. We make lots of friends. We aren’t there just for the competition, but to have fun!
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
I work a lot and I often have my daughter with me, but right when I have time, I train and I ride. The sooner the better, but having time with her is the best occupation.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
I think that I can do it on my own. I even think that some girls do better than men. In my case, I’ve learned on the spot, but, in case of doubt, I contact my little girl’s father (Laughs)!
“Ladies, do not be afraid to show who you really are, the determination and the willing, this is what to believe in!” ~Pascal Laroche photo
Will your children be motocross racers?
I already have a 2-and-half-year-old girl, Megan. Pregnant, I was working for the FMSQ, the engines’ noises are already part of the ambient sound of her life! Younger, I was already bringing her to the races. Megan sees in me, and her father, her idols. I often get a glimpse of her saying when she plays with her bike, “A moto like mom” so, I think it’s safe to say, yes! She’s in total awe every time she sees one. 2026 future champ (Laughs)!
Who do you want to thank?
First, Francois Beauchesne, for giving me the sting of racing, he never cease to push me forward in this sport, to always better myself, even with the ups and downs. He’s always been there to tell me that I can surpass myself. Mom and dad, even with their fears, don’t prevent me of doing so and when it’s time for me to race, they keep my daughter. This way I have my head clear, I can focus knowing my daughter is in security (Laughs)! The Federation works really hard to make this work, for all of us who believe in this sport, and to make it accessible to all women. We have our place too!
And so, in conclusion, ladies, do not be afraid to show who you really are, the determination and the willing, this is what to believe in!
