Photo shoot: Sara Leyssens
Ladies who play sports are not often associated with glitz and glamour. Especially if this sport is also motocross. Time to put an end to that and show which beautiful ladies are hidden under that layer of mud. That's precisely why we did a cool photo shoot with none other than Sara Leyssens, and came back with this nice photo gallery!
Have you been cross-country for a long time?
Sara Leyssens: “I have been racing since I was 9, so in August I will officially have been racing for XNUMX years.”
How did you actually start with motocross?
Leyssens: “When I was three years old, my parents gave me a small motorbike. But I was immediately frightened, so I didn't even want to race at all! I then started riding horses, after which I started playing football for a year when I was eleven. I actually wanted to start racing at the time, but I didn't dare ask my parents. My dad had always said that his children were not allowed to race. So I always assumed that the answer would be no. When Dad started racing again, I saw my opportunity to start again myself!”
What would you still like to achieve as a motocross rider?
Leyssens: “I would really like to become a women's champion one day. If I ever get the chance to participate in a GP, that would be very nice. Also just because I can experience it, not because I really want to achieve anything.”
Is there anyone you look up to as an athlete?
Leyssens: “The person I have always looked up to is Ashley Fiolek. I think it's really amazing that despite being deaf, she has managed to achieve so much, while no one saw it in her. She is proof that despite everything you can achieve a lot in life by just working hard and believing in yourself.”
What would you do if you weren't racing?
Leyssens: “I think I would take up kickboxing or BMX. In any case, a sport with a lot of adrenaline, otherwise I wouldn't be able to keep it up. Typical girls' sports are therefore not really my thing.”
Are there things you have had to sacrifice for the sake of your sport?
Leyssens: “I've never been out much, because that doesn't really mean much to me. I also don't think I've had to 'sacrifice' anything, because I really enjoy doing this. So I can't really talk about 'sacrifice'.”
What do you like to do when you don't have to go to the cross country for a weekend?
Leyssens: “Then I usually go do something with Dietger, like a weekend away or something. Not that it has happened much yet, but it does happen sometimes. (laughs)”
Do you spend a lot of time on your appearance and clothing besides racing?
Leyssens: “To be honest, I don't put on any make-up during the week because I have to work. I'll be riding cross myself on Saturday, so it won't really happen then. Sunday is actually my only day off. Then Dietger (Damiaens) also wants me to look somewhat decent, so I try to put on a bit of make-up. (laughs).”
How would you describe your own clothing style?
Leyssens: “I would rather say different, because I actually wear a lot of different things. Then I wear something really feminine. After that I might as well walk around in Dietger's clothes! It really varies from day to day for me.”
Finally, what do you prefer to do, racing or shopping with friends?
Leyssens: “Cross without a doubt! I also like to go shopping with friends sometimes, but if I really have to choose, I choose the cross.”
Photos and text: Dieter Jans
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