From June to October 2024, the first ever women’s motorcycle speed world championship will be held. An event that will begin in Italy and end in Spain, in which Emily Bondi, a young 22-year-old athlete, will participate.
At 22, Emily Bondy could have been content to be a simple business school student. She would have divided her daily life between classes, the company where she does her work-study program and student evenings. If the young woman is following a course at IESEG, she is also French motorcycle champion in all categories and is preparing for the very first women’s motorcycle speed world championship. Interview with an athlete who goes at full speed.
Journal des Femmes: What is your connection with sport?
Emily Bondi: I have always had a strong competitive spirit. When I was little, I even remember telling my mother that I found it unfair to be the second of my siblings; I didn’t agree with being number 2. So throughout my childhood, I measured myself against my big brother. I thought : “It doesn’t matter if he’s a boy and I’m a girl, I have to beat him.” So when he started horse ball (equestrian sport which is played with a ball with 6 handles, editor’s note), I did like him. This sport, whose competitions are mixed, has completely abolished the idea, in my mind, that there were disciplines reserved for this or that gender. I also did a lot of downhill skiing at one time. I loved Tessa Worley (double giant slalom world champion, editor’s note). She was a bit of my icon, I often looked at her before going to my competitions.
And your connection with motorcycling?
My parents always did it, it was their means of transportation, so I rode with them when I was a child. I was so small at the time that my arms didn’t go around their waist, so they sat me in front of them. I lived in China throughout my adolescence and when I returned to France at 18, I got my motorcycle license. And then in September 2022, I met my friend, a motocross champion, who told me that it was not just a means of transport. He introduced me to the competition and I immediately thought it would be super cool to try.
Two years later, you are French champion. How did you train to get to this level?
Motorcycle competitions are prepared by doing physical training. I go to the gym for cardio and strength training at least four times a week. It’s also a lot of driving, I train on the circuit twice a month. Until the high season has started again, I go to Spain a lot to benefit from the ideal infrastructure and climatic conditions.
How do you manage to finance your sporting activity?
Thanks to sponsors. My biggest support is Zelos, a Belgian structure which tries to bring out pilots. I am also in discussions with brands that might want to appear on motorcycles, suits or helmets. This is the biggest part of my work: beyond my performance and my physical preparation, I have to look for sponsors, work on my communication, my marketing… It must still be said that female profiles are rare in motorcycling. , so companies are showing interest in sportswomen and are often willing to support them. Furthermore, for my part, Zelos also helps me with my studies, since I am on a work-study program within the company and my job today is to concentrate on my career. In fact, the IESEG put in place a high-level sports car development so that I could be a professional pilot. Which removes a real thorn in my side: since January, I no longer have to juggle training, classes, races and exams.
What are the aspects of your sport that the general public doesn’t imagine?
You shouldn’t believe that a racing bike means new tires and go, let’s ride. We put our machines to the test, they go very fast, very strong. So I have to do frequent oil changes, change the fluids… I often fall, so even if we repair on the circuit, there are always parts to update, a bug to correct, a bit of polish to give. It’s not innate, there are a lot of things I don’t know how to do and for which I get help from my boyfriend. And then beyond taking care of the motorcycles, when I need it, I have to take steps to buy a new body, find a partner to finance it, make content on social networks to promote this partnership (his Instagram account is followed by more than 22,000 people, editor’s note)…
How is motorcycling a strategic sport?
There are lots of factors that come into play. It’s a discipline that provides a lot of adrenaline and a real feeling of freedom. On the straights, where we can go very fast, we exploit the notion of the forbidden. In fact, it’s a very mental sport, since you have to take it upon yourself and not be afraid to turn the handle all the way. Especially since to be fast, you have to brake as late as possible. During the race, I repeat to myself over and over: “Don’t go too fast. Build. Study what’s going on, the flaws of your competitors. Once you see how you’re better than the others, choose the right time to attack.”
How do you feel when you put on your helmet?
My stomach hurts. It’s not the most pleasant moment, but I know it has to be done. Because when I get off my bike, if I’ve done the job well, the feeling that comes over me is crazy.
How do you understand the notion of danger?
The bike can hurt, so when you turn on the track, there is always a moment when you reduce your pace because of awareness of the danger. But today, we are very well protected: we have airbags, leather suits… I myself have fallen several times and until now, it was the bike that was damaged.
How are women perceived in this environment?
There are always prejudices about our level and our pace on the circuit. But at the high level, well-known drivers consider us as their equals and are always there to give us advice. Generally speaking, the women’s categories are opening up to try to attract other athletes. Furthermore, high-level categories are not closed to female athletes.
What are your objectives during the women’s motorcycle speed world championship?
My goals, in 2024, are to develop my sporting abilities to acquire a level that I do not yet have. I’m not going there to win a title, but to improve and one day be world champion. I also hope that this competition will inspire young girls, who in 5 years will join us on the circuits to tear it up.