In Gorron, Henri, 7 years old, is regional motocross vice-champion

Motorcycling is my son's passion, it's not mine immediately warns Steve Dulermez, father of Henri, 7 years old, crowned motocross vice-champion of Pays de la Loire. I don't have a Motorcycle, and I've never ridden one.” continues this resident of Gorron (Mayenne).

It all started with miniature motorcycles given, without a second thought, to Henri at the age of two. He fell in love with these new toys that he never parted with. I showed Henri a Piwi (motorcycle for children) on video. Thunderbolt. The parents then offer him a Piwi provided that the motorcycle does not take precedence over school.

A transformed life

Before living his son's passion, Steve had his own: antiquing. I had a garage full of items, I sold everything. The garage now houses Henri's two motorcycles and a host of tools. I no longer have time to go to flea markets! I spend my evenings either maintaining the motorcycles which are in high demand, or contributing to social networks.

As for the weekends, they take place on grounds approved by the FFM (French Motorcycle Federation) which welcome young people of this age. You can drive 2 or 3 hours to reach a site, whatever the weather. You have to ride in all conditions .

Henri is part of the Hardanges club. It has been competing since March 2024. This year, Henri participated in 9 competitions, he was on the podium 8 times, a breakdown prevented him from achieving a flawless performance .

An expensive sport

A season of competition at regional level costs €8,000 (license, equipment, parts, entry into races). When we arrive at a competition venue, we act a bit alien. We sleep in the truck equipped with bench seats when others arrive in a camper van notes Steve, municipal agent in Désertines. Henri rides on a 2017 motorcycle when the competitors have brand new motorcycles, but we assume.

Even assuming, Steve is looking for partnerships that would allow the purchase of a 50 cm motorcycle³ new, more efficient.

The 2025 plans are ambitious: run three national level races in 65cm³continue the competition in 50 cm³participate in the Normandy or Pays de la Loire Cup. I dream of being a motocross champion. I like jumps, from 5 to 25 meters in length! The most important thing to win a race is to know how to take the turns and leave as quickly as possible when the starting gate falls. Champion words.

Contact : Henri's Facebook page or 06 27 35 32 46.