The FIM Women’s Circuit Racing World Championship is back in action in a couple of weeks at the stunning Autodromo Internacional do Algarve but, before then, here’s a chance to get to know one of the competitors a little bit better. This time it’s French star Emily Bondi (YART Zelos Black Knights Team) who came into the inaugural season injured but is showing progress with each session. Get ti know more about Bondi below.
THE BEGINNNING OF A PASSION: on a bike from a young age
Emily Bondi’s love for motorcycles began early, riding on the back of her mom’s bike, and together with her dad, on a Triumph Bonneville T1200 and a BMW GT. Her first personal bike, an MT03, was a source of pride as she showcased it to her former instructors at a Yamaha dealership in Paris right after she got it.
A SWIFT ASCENT IN RACING: a career just a year old…
Her boyfriend, a cross-country champion, identified her potential in racing, propelling her towards competitive riding. Despite starting her racing career just a year ago, Emily became the French champion, now poised to compete on the international stage in the WorldWCR.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES: showing determination and defiance
Emily has faced numerous challenges as a woman in a male-dominated sport, encountering prejudices and underestimation. However, she uses these experiences to motivate herself and prove that women can compete at the highest levels, demonstrating perseverance and determination.
INSPIRATIONAL GOALS AND FUTURE AMBITIONS: aiming for a title
Emily aims to inspire young girls to pursue motorcycle racing, emphasizing that they can excel in sports traditionally dominated by men. Her goal for the season is to gain experience, represent France with pride in the inaugural WorldWCR season, and eventually aim for a World Championship title.
PERSONAL INSIGHTS: away from the track
Outside racing, Emily enjoys spending time in the gym, with family, and creating digital content to raise awareness about motorcycle racing. Her favourite athlete is skier Tessa Worley, and she draws inspiration from female racer Sophia Floersch for her presence on social media and resilience in motorsport.
ON REPRESENTING HER COUNTRY: “Times are changing… up to me to make things happen!”
Discussing her role for women in motorsport, Bondi said: “It is very important to create a feminine reference in a country where I, a year ago, did not know that girls could do this sport, because I only saw men on TV. Times are changing and it’s up to me to make things happen for all the future princesses who want to ride a motorcycle as a daily sport!”
Emily’s message to aspiring female riders is clear: “Motorcycle princesses exist, and it’s you! With discipline and resilience, you will be part of the same starting grid as us one day!”
RAPIDFIRE ANSWERS: favourite rider and off-track studies
Who is your favourite motorcycle racer? “My favourite motorcycle rider is Xavier Simeon, my racing coach!”
What do you aside from racing? “I am a Master 2 student in digital marketing and communication at the IESEG School of Management”
What kind of music do you listen to before a race? “Deep-house that helps me concentrate.”
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Source: WorldSBK.com