Out of the Blue | Kristin Tse | Presented by Schrader’s
By Jeff McConkey
‘Out of the Blue’ is brought to you by Schrader’s
Name: Kristin Tse
HomeTown: West Kelowna, BC
School and Grade: High School Gr:12
Number: 138
Bike: 2017 YZ 250F
Race Club: Kelowna Dirt Bike Club
Classes: Ladies
This week, ‘Out of the Blue’ features Kelowna, BC rider, #138 Kristin Tse | Bigwave photo
How did you get started in racing?
When I was 13, my older brother would always go to races on the weekend with my older sister. After begging my dad for at least a month straight, he finally let me line up after Sara King and her family convinced him to. Mainly, it was because my older brother, Damon, raced. Ever since we were little we’ve always been quite competitive.
As a little girl, did you ever expect to be this deep into a sport like motocross?
Honestly, I never thought I would have been into motocross. Well, because I didn’t even know what motocross was! I played full contact rep boys hockey, so when I learned how to ride it was game on.
Do you think motocross is harder for a female to compete in?
No. If you put your mind and your effort in, any thing can be achieved.
Kristin finished 9th overall in the Women’s West MX Nationals in 2016 | Bigwave photo
Who is your favourite rider and why?
My favourite rider has to be Jason Anderson because he’s so fun to watch and he has always been my favourite because of his style of riding.
Is there one lady racer out there that you think has paved the way for other girls to be successful in the sport?
I think there have been many lady racers that have paved the road, but the biggest impact to this day is still Ashley Fiolek!
What Canadian Pro do you look up too and why?
I look up to Zach Ruff a lot because when I started riding he helped me a lot. I like his riding style – smooth and calm; very similar to Ryan Dungey‘s. This summer, Zach helped me before the first round of nationals. He is really awkward and funny like me, but what he says really helps me a lot.
What is your favourite track and why?
I actually have two favourite tracks: Kamloops and Kelowna. They basically have the same sandy dirt kind of texture which gets really rough really quick, which I absolutely love.
Who is your hero?
Definitely, my dad. From a young age he always told me it was okay to be a little different from other girls. He taught me that if I got bumped down to get up and try harder the next time around. I’m very curious about how things work so he always seems to have time to teach me. I look up to my dad because he’s willing to help anyone with 100% of his effort.
Kristin enjoys a lot of different sports including hockey, volleyball, rugby, and basketball | Bigwave photo
What are your goals for next season?
This coming season I’m striving to improve my skills, such as consistency, corner speed, braking, form and to be a little more aggressive.
What are your biggest accomplishments?
I haven’t came across it yet but hopefully it’ll come soon!
What is your favourite part about going to races?
Being with my family and my moto family.
What do you like doing when you aren’t racing?
When I’m not racing I enjoy playing hockey, basketball, volleyball, field hockey, rugby and I like to fish.
Is it important to have a motocross racer as a boyfriend/partner, or just a bonus?
I typically feel like it’d be a bonus because I spend so much of my time in motocross he would understand what is involved, time-wise. I also feel like it’d motivate me because I’m a super competitive person and a second opinion wouldn’t hurt (Laughs).
If you ever have children, will they be motocross racers?
I would let them be whatever they want to be, but it’d definitely be cool to see my kid ride!
Who do you want to thank?
Big thank you to my mom and dad, the whole Kelowna Yamaha Marine crew, Gibson Tyre, Fox Head Canada, X Brand goggles, The Newf (Ryan Lockhart), Enzo Suspensions, Lime Nine, Ryan Bachmeier at Kelowna Manual Therapy, Mr. Lube, AYT Accountants and a special thanks to Mike Hayes, Gibson Tyre Mike and Dwayne at King Concepts.
