Emila : From production lines to bump lines!
Emila joined us in October and is now an automation engineer at the Dunkirk branch. After three years of work-study training and obtaining her degree, she is now responsible for managing control instruments and process safety. She enjoys working on concrete projects and continues to learn every day.
In her job, as on the track, she relies on the same qualities: responsiveness, precision and the ability to keep a cool head, even under pressure. Once the day is over, Emila swaps her office clothes for her BMX bike, her passion since childhood.
How did you discover BMR racing ?
I discovered BMX racing when I was seven years old, at a community forum with my sister. At first, I wasn’t convinced, but when I saw the sport, I wanted to try it. We started together, and it quickly became a big part of our family life: my father took up BMX too, and my mother became a referee so she could follow us in competitions. Since then, it’s been the rhythm of our lives!
What does a reason look like to you ?
My season is mainly dictated by the Coupes de France, which take place over five weekends each year. I always take part because they are essential for the national rankings. In addition, I compete in a few regional cups and a compulsory regional championship to remain qualified for the National competition. So I have to maintain my level every season, which requires a lot of organisation and energy!
If you had to compare your driving style to an animal, which one would it be ?
I would say a tiger. It’s a powerful and agile animal, and that suits me well. In my last few races, I realised that I still lack a little bit of ability at the start, so I try to overtake in the corners or use little techniques to get past. Agility has become one of my strengths. And in terms of power, I have good acceleration: I can push hard when I need to, like a tiger pouncing at the right moment!
Can you tell us about your achievements ?
Since I started in 2009, I have experienced many memorable moments on the track. Here are a few of the highlights, although I can’t mention them all!
2009-2013 — The beginning:
- 2nd Eure championship, 3rd Normandy championship
- 2nd Eure championship, 2nd Normandy championship
- Heats at the European Championships (Netherlands, France, Belgium) and World Championships (Denmark, England)
- Qualification for the 2014 French Cup
2014-2016 — National debut:
- 12th French Cup
- 2nd Normandy Championship
- 5th indoor in Caen, 4th indoor in Tours
- 10th French Cup
- Quarter-finals of the World Championship (Belgium)
- 9th French Cup
- Quarter-finals of the French Championship
- European Championship heats (Italy)
2017-2018 — Highlights:
- Indoor podiums in Caen and Tours
- 5th in the French Cup rankings before injury
- Victories in two French Cups in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines
- 8th in the World Championship final (Azerbaijan)
- European (France) and World (USA) rounds despite a fall
- Withdrew from European competition due to injury
2019-2024 — Studies and comeback:
- Long illness in 2019, Covid in 2020
- Break for studies in 2021-2022
- Partial comeback in 2023: inter-regional victory, quarter-finalist in French championship
- In 2024: 2nd Normandy championship, victories in all three inter-regional competitions, promotion to National 2025, French championship rounds.
I am proud of this journey because it shows that I never gave up, despite injuries, breaks and unexpected events!
What is the most challenging aspect of this sport ?
In BMX racing, everything happens in a matter of seconds: a race is 400 metres, about 30 to 40 seconds of intense sprinting with bumps, turns and jumps. Physically, your whole body is involved: you need powerful legs, strong arms and core strength. Mentally, it’s all about responsiveness: one false start and the whole race can be over.
Do you have a technique for dealing with pressure ?
Before, I used to listen to music to help me concentrate, but in the end it made me more anxious than anything else to be alone with my thoughts and think too much about the race. Now, I prefer to chat with the other members of the club before lining up at the start: it relaxes me, takes my mind off things and helps me manage stress better.
And I’m also lucky to have my boyfriend, who always knows just what to say or what joke to tell to make me smile and relax before each lap !
BMX Race : individual or team event ?
Even though BMX racing is an individual sport, there is a real team spirit at the club. We train together, give each other advice on racing lines and motivate each other. It’s a bit like at work: everyone has their part to play, but you can always ask for help from those around you.
How do you find balance ?
The hardest part for me isn’t necessarily organising my schedule, but managing fatigue. Balancing work, training and competitions while keeping some time for myself is a real challenge. I also know that I don’t want to aim for the Elite category or the Olympics, because that would require too many sacrifices and you can’t really make a living from it. For me, BMX has to remain a passion, and I want to keep that enjoyment intact.
