Out of the Blue: Nelly Dufour
By Jeff McConkey
Name: Nelly Dufour
Birth Date: August, 10th, 1986
Hometown: Quebec city
School & Grade or Occupation: Interior design & photography, but for now I’m working in restauration at Cosmos, QC
Number: 77
Bike: KTM 150 SX
Let’s get to know Nelly Dufour. – Mikael Brousseau photo
How did you get started in racing?
One of the most important people in my life was doing motocross for years. One day, he rented me a bike because he knew it would be my kind of thing and he taught me almost everything I know. I’m so grateful for that. He was right because the same week I tried motocross, I bought one. It was love at first sight with this sport! But I don’t really race, I do motocross for myself. I know it’s kind of a cliché but I compete against myself to be better. I started mx at the age of 24, so I was a bit late on the others who were racing for years, so I preferred to do it for myself and for fun.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
I like sports…like, I practice a lot of them! I’ve never been really deep in only one sport, except snowboarding. MX and snowboarding are my two favourites.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
Nope, but like I said, I’ve never been into big competitions. I am really proud to see so many girls kicking ass in this sport; they’re strong and courageous. Good job, girls!
Who is your favourite rider and why?
I don’t really have a favorite, but I must admit, James Stewart impress me a lot.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
Vicki Golden.
What is your favourite track and why?
Octane Park, La Tuque, Quebec. So much fun over there. I always feel good on that track.
Dondine is Nelly’s hero. She admits that probably only those who’ve met Dondine will understand. – Louis Dubé photo
Who is your hero?
Dondine. No one knows Dondine except those who had the chance to meet her.
What were your goals for this season?
Improve myself, be more confident on my bike, and have fun on my bike.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
I had a big crash three years ago. I broke my two legs and I was very sad and depressed in my wheelchair. I don’t play victim, but it was really hard for me to wait and all the work I put in rehabilitation. But yes, it’s a big accomplishment for me to come back on my bike, talking to my fears and riding again.
Nelly lists coming back from a big injury as one of her biggest accomplishments. -Pierre Tremblay photo
What is your favourite part about going to the races?
Almost everything, but especially the concentration and to push your limits. There’s only motocross to do it that way.
What do you like to do when you aren’t racing?
Play with my dogs, sports, travel, yoga, etc…
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
Big bonus.
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
If they want they will, for sure!
