💬 Interview with Lucinda – Passion, Persistence, and drive
From a gravel pit and a Yamaha TTR 110 to riding with Honda’s MX-Academy, Lucinda’s motocross journey is anything but ordinary. As a full-time worker living in a region without tracks, she’s faced more than her share of obstacles — but her passion has always kept her moving forward.
In this exclusive interview, Lucinda shares how she entered the sport, the personal meaning behind her race number #962, and the challenges of balancing motocross with daily life. She also opens up about riding as a woman in a male-dominated scene, what motivates her to keep pushing, and the advice she has for the next generation of female riders.
This is a story of drive, discipline, and doing it all for the love of the ride.
MXM- What inspired you to choose motocross, and how did you come to ride for Honda’s MX-Academy?
LU- I tried motocross once and immediately fell in love with it. It was raw, powerful, and gave me a level of freedom I’d never experienced before. Through my reach on social media, I got in touch with Honda — and from there, I was introduced to the MX-Academy. It was the perfect fit. The Academy offers top-tier coaching, professional support, and an environment that really pushes you forward as a rider.
MXM- What does your race number — 962 — mean to you personally?
LU- 962 represents my father’s birth year, 1962. He’s more than just my supporter — he’s the reason I’m even in this sport. He started riding with me from the beginning, taught himself how to work on bikes, and made it all possible. Without him, I wouldn’t be able to do all of this. It’s our journey together.
MXM- How does Honda’s MXAcademy support your training and development as a female rider?
LU- The MX-Academy makes no distinction based on gender or age — everyone is treated as an athlete with potential. They offer structured training on their professional track in Schlatt, access to experienced coaches, and even support when it comes to bike setup or specialized parts. It’s a place where you can grow no matter where you start from.
MXM- Can you describe your journey from your first ride to riding a Honda CRF?
LU- My first ride was on a Fantic 50cc in a gravel pit. After that, I got a Yamaha TTR 110. We took the bike apart so it could fit into the trunk of our VW Golf and drove it back and forth to the gravel pit. Eventually, I was able to afford a Honda CRF 150 and finally rode on a real track in Italy. That bike quickly became too small, so I moved on to a used Husqvarna FC 250 — which served me well. But nothing compares to the Honda I ride today. It’s a perfect match for me, and I’m beyond satisfied with its performance
MXM- What challenges have you faced in motocross, and how have you overcome them?
LU- There are many. Financial limitations definitely play a role, but time and location are even more challenging. I work full-time and live in the Canton of Grisons, where there are no tracks or any possibilities. The closest is Ceriano Laghetto in Italy, about 2 hours and 15 minutes away — without traffic. Until 2024 I had no connections in the motocross scene and taught myself everything through trial and error and some YouTube- videos. It wasn’t easy, but if you really want it, you find a way.
MXM- What’s your favorite track or terrain in Switzerland, and why?
LU- That’s tough, because I’ve only raced three times so far and train mostly in Italy or with the MX-Academy in Schlatt. From the few races I’ve done, Wohlen stood out as my favorite. It’s a proper motocross track with great jumps, technical sections, and elevation changes. The others were more like fields, which I’m not used to and can’t really train for — so Wohlen felt like real motocross to me.
MXM- What goes into your equipment setup and bike preparation before a race?
LU- I’m still early in my racing journey, so my routine is basic but consistent. I make sure the bike is fully prepped — oil changes, everything cleaned and double-checked. Same for my gear. But honestly, I treat every training session like a race when it comes to preparation. It’s all about habits and keeping things ready to go.
MXM- How do you balance school or work with your motocross commitments?
LU- Honestly, I’m not sure if there’s really a “balance” — it’s just making it work somehow. I work full-time and usually only have weekends to ride. Occasionally, I take a day or two off to fit in more, but that’s rare. Everything else — cleaning, bike maintenance, gear prep — happens during the evenings after work. It’s a lot, but it’s worth it.
MXM- Which female motocross athletes inspire you most, and what have you learned from them?
LU- Lotte van Drunen comes to mind immediately. She’s world-class at such a young age and had support from early on. Also Catalina Prutean from Italy — she’s shown that you can push through without letting others bring you down. What I’ve learned from both? Stick to your path, push through in this male-dominated sport, and always focus on the joy of riding
MXM- Looking ahead — what are your short-term and long-term goals in motocross?
LU- Short-term, I want to finish the season without injuries. It’s my first racing season, and I’m not chasing results — I just want to gain experience. Long-term, I’m focused on improving my riding on hardpack and grass tracks. I mainly train in sand, and that’s made it tough to keep up on typical Swiss terrain. That’s definitely an area I need to work on.
MXM- What do fans not often see behind the scenes — how do you stay motivated?
LU- Even though I share a lot on social media, people don’t always see the full picture. The effort, the sweat, the setbacks, the cost — and the emotional highs and lows. What keeps me going is the fun. That’s my core motivation. Also, I receive a lot of messages from women and girls who say I’ve inspired them to start motocross. That kind of feedback keeps me pushing forward.
MXM- How would you describe the sense of achievement when you push your limits on the track?
LU- There’s nothing like it. When you push past your comfort zone and hit a section or jump that scared you before — it’s pure adrenaline and pride at the same time. It’s not just about speed, it’s about progress. Every ride feels like proof that I’m capable of more than I thought.
MXM- Finally — what advice would you give to young girls starting in motocross today?
LU- Just start. You don’t need your own bike, gear, or even a trailer. At places like the MX-Academy, you can rent everything and learn from the ground up. Don’t let anyone — especially not the guys — tell you what you can or can’t do. Get a coach right from the beginning; I wish I had done that. Most importantly, believe in yourself and keep going, even when it gets tough!