The world of motocross was previously a realm I'd tried to ignore. I knew for a fact that I'd love riding these bikes so I'd closed my eyes to the whole scene as it's painfully expensive to get in to. But then one of Coven Magazine's contributors submitted her piece on motocross and freestyle motocross and naturally, I had to read the article and go through the pictures we had to accompany it. And just as I'd anticipated, the more I read about this world and the female riders dominating it, the more I wanted to find out about them. I'm in such awe of these women and so hungry to get a bike myself now. I think I'd better start saving!
Australia's only female pro freestyle motocross rider, Emma McFerran is the sole female member of the Crusty Demons, a crew of freestyle motocrossers whose mind blowing videos and live shows have reached legendary status. With a background in racing Emma made the move to freestyle motocross a couple of years ago, nailing 'supermans' over 75 foot gaps in no time at all. After a nasty crash earlier this year, the 24 year old Kawasaki rider is now back on her bike and working on new tricks to showcase with the Crusty Demons.
Currently second in the Women's Motocross Association series, Ashley Fiolek is a multi X Games medallist and her strong riding, industry support and friendly smile are giving women's motocross a huge boost. Appearances in American Vogue and on Conan O'Brien have further raised her profile but it's Ashley's riding which speaks volumes. Sadly unable to compete in the X Games this year due to injury, at 21 Fiolek still has plenty of time to add to her gold medal haul.
Jessica Patterson is an absolute legend on the Women's Motocross race circuit and is currently battling with Ashley Fiolek to retain her crown. Six time Women's Pro Motocross Champion, she’s hoping to claim a seventh title but as I write this, Red Bull's Ashley Fiolek is nipping at her heals with only one round to go. The WMA final's take place on September 8th at Lake Elsinore where it will be a tight battle between Patterson, Fiolek and Tarah Gieger.
After travelling from Japan to the States to check out the women's motocross scene, Sayaka Kaneshiro's family sold up and relocated to America so that their daughter could persue her dream. It looks like their belief in the young rider is paying as Kaneshiro is the latest recruit to the Honda Muscle Milk team.
Double X Games Gold medallist Maria Forsberg focuses on Enduro X and is arguably the best female off road racer. Despite being the first ever woman to secure a KTM factory deal, Fosberg works full time as an electrician and still manages to beat all her competitors.
Steffi Laier, four time Women’s World Motocross Champion and former WMA National Champion, this year saw German Steffi Laier's first foray into the world of Enduro X. Never one to take the easy route, Laier chose the X Games for her debut and placed 8th in her first ever Enduro X.
Winner of the first women's motocross event at the X Games back in 2008, Tarah Gieger has been riding and racing since the age of ten and was the first woman to compete at the Motocross Of Nations, representing Puerto Rico. Geieger's natural talent and steely determination are what make her the most decorated woman in X Games motorcycle history. In this video from Vice Versa MX we follow Gieger's week at X Games 18.
Vicki Golden won her second Moto X racing gold this year at X Games 18 throwing in a huge, stylish whip over the final jump to celebrate her win.
This year, Golden withdrew from the Women's Motocross Association national series citing a lack of money in women's racing as an impediment to her progress and instead turned her attention to Arenacross and getting a men's race license.
I've mentioned Jolene Van Vugt but as she's the first woman to flip a full size motorbike plus she tours with the Nitro Circus crew, she warrants a mention in this piece. Catch Jolene live in December on the Nitro Circus UK Tour.
By Juliet Elliott. Editor of Coven Magazine, Charge Bikes team rider.
Comments
Add a comment