Liyana Zakaria likes racing in motocross and enduro MTB and has no problems competing in what most call a male dominated sport. The 28-year-old has been doing it since 2011 and BruSports News had the opportunity to talk to her about her passion.
Q: How did you get yourself into the sport (of two wheels)?
A: I'm someone who loves adventures and thrills. When I was 19, I watched one of my cousins racing in the local cubprix (racing series for motorcycles with displacements from 115cc to 130cc).
I thought it was an interesting sport and months later I joined the race as well.
I shifted to MotoX few years later (in 2015) and added on MTB in late 2016. But I became more invested in enduro MTB and participated in both local and international races then.
Q: If you had only one choice: MTB or Motocross?
A: That's a tough choice to make. Can I have both?
Q: How does it feel to be the only female to be competing in motocross in Brunei?
A: Racing in an all male category was quite intimidating at first but after a while, I personally think there's less pressure.
I like it that it pushes me to ride faster and a bit more aggressive. It is also good to have them expecting me to be at their level of riding instead of just saying "that's OK for your level".
For enduro MTB, I used to feel pressure when racing with others but now I'm more content with racing with my own clock and setting my new personal best!
Q: What’s your best achievement so far?
A: In 2018, I crashed and injured myself midway through an MTB race but I still managed to continue and successfully finished the race in first place.
As for Motocross, it was in 2016 when I managed to win the MX ladies title at the UCMX held in Johor Bahru, racing against others from Malaysia and Singapore.)
Personally, making friends that share the same passion around the world is the best!
Q: Do we need to have any kind of diet for motocross?
A: For those who really want to push, yes.
For me, I usually try to stop eating my favourite ayam goreng (fried chicken) at least a week before any competition.
I replace it with non oily food and eat pasta the night before the race. On raceday I usually take in some chocolate bars and drink lots of water and isotonic drinks.
Q: Do you have any idols?
A: Some of my idols include Ryan Dungey, Loic Bruni and Tahnee Seagrave. The list is a lot longer though.
Q: Do you have any superstitions ahead of any race?
A: So far there is none.
Q: If you were a princess, who would you be?
A: Princess Fiona. I think she is strong, can defend herself, a bit goofy and freed herself from the tower instead of waiting to be rescued. I love that she doesn't need a Prince to change her destiny.
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in the near future?
A: Had you asked me this question five years back, I'd say I want to get sponsorships, race internationally, collect more medals and trophies by winning titles and organise race events here,
Fast forward to the present, Alhamdulillah, I have managed to tick almost all on that checklist. I am more about enjoying the ride and improving my skills for now.
Once the COVID-19 pandemic is over, I would like to do more riding at awesome trails around the world, living life one step a at time and to just really enjoy doing what I do that makes me happy.
Q: Do you own a bike of your own?
A: I currently own a Yamaha YZ125 for motocross and a Yeti SB6 for MTB.
Q: What kind of advice can you give to girls who are looking to venture into the sport?
A: For those who want to start but is unsure how and where, it's best to find someone who can guide you and know the safety measures for these kinds of sport.
You also have to make sure to ride within your ability. Live life to the fullest and most importantly, have fun!
