Out of the Blue: Melissa Emond
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is presented by Schrader’s.
Name: Melissa Emond
Birthday: June 25th, 1993
Hometown: Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec
Occupation: Accounting
Number: 396
Bike: KTM 150SX 2013
Race Club: Challenge Quebec, Supercross Quebec
Classes: Femme junior
Let’s get to know Riviere-du-Loup rider, #396 Melissa Emond|Photo supplied by Melissa Emond
How did you get started in racing?
My brother and my good friend Couture #137 used to go to the races (2012) and I loved to go with them and I started to take photos and got into photography (ME photography). The year after, I was buying my first bike (KX250F 2012) and the following year I was racing.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
No, I’ve always been a sports girl in my childhood but I have never thought I would be racing motocross. I’ve always loved to ride anything that runs with gas. I loved to go watch Arenacross races in my hometown and I’ve always admired racers from here (Marco Dubé, Karl Normand, Tim, Tania and Dale Martin)
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
No, there are classes for women so anyone can compete in.
Although Melissa doesn’t have an official hero, she says Ashley Fiolek is an inspiration|Babelphotos image supplied by Melissa
Who is your favourite rider and why?
Ryan Dungey, he is such a great rider and I love his style and he is very consistent in his riding.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I would say Ashley Fiolek. She is deaf and she rides motocross, it’s pretty amazing. She is a good inspiration for us and I think her story is awesome.
What Canadian Pro do you look up to and why?
Kaven Benoit, he was killing it in MX2 and I can’t wait to see him race in MX1.
What is your favourite track and why?
I love sand tracks so I will go with Motocross Deschambault! The track is always on point. Even if it is 2 hours and a half from where I live, last year it was the track that I have been practicing the most at. We don’t have tracks here so we make the drive on weekends to go practice.
Who is your hero?
I don’t have one.
What are your goals for this season?
I started the year with a mild concussion due to mechanical issue a few weeks ago so my goal is to ride safe and stay healthy. The main thing is to have fun!
What are your biggest accomplishments?
Winning my first Challenge Quebec race last summer in Femme Junior with my broken thumb. I got both holeshots and won both races.
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Hanging out with the moto family and getting awesome shots from my camera.
If she isn’t on the track, Melissa can usually be found taking photos of those who are|Sylvie Perreault photo supplied by Melissa
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Getting to hang out with my friends for sure, especially during summer. I do not see them often. I’ve always been at the races or practicing these past years.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
It’s definitely a bonus.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
If they want to, they will!
Who do you want to thank?
I would like to thank my mechanics Jeff St-Pierre, Harold Couture and my sponsors that allow me to go to the races: Groupe Aktion Performance, Octane Performance, Dandale Béton, Premier Tech, Structor, Quincaillerie Chartier.
