A daring Danish motocross racer who calls the UK her home is defying both stereotypes and her male counterparts in equal measure, thanks to a helping hand from Bridgestone.
With some superb performances at motocross circuits around the UK this year, Silje Otte’s efforts have now come to the attention of the world’s largest tyre manufacturer. Bridgestone are now supplying her with their latest Battlecross X30 medium terrain tyres, and she will soon be back in action when the Girls National competition comes to Maismore in Gloucestershire on the 12th and 13th of September.
Silje developed her love of motocross at the age of 11, and this year she has stringed together a number of impressive performances in the BSMA Clubman’s Series, where she currently lies in 5th place as the only female competitor.
She said: “I probably rode my first motocross bike as an 11 year-old. I don’t know how I got into it really. I remember seeing my step-brother riding one and I really fancied a go.
“I didn’t want to sit back and watch. I wanted to get involved and things have progressed from there. It’s fair to say that it isn’t a pastime usually associated with a 16 year-old girl, but I love the sport and the thrill of doing well.”
Bridgestone’s sales and training development manager Mark Fereday said: “Silje bought some tyres from us during the season and has been something of an ambassador for us ever since.
“She is always talking about our tyres in glowing terms, so when the chance came around for us to provide her with a set the Girls National in Gloucestershire, we were delighted to help.”
Silje said that the Bridgestone product offered her more grip than other tyres she had ridden on, providing an extra element of confidence as a result.
“I have definitely felt a big difference,” added Silje. “I’d say the tyres have made a difference in my attempts to beat the boys in the Clubman’s series, so I am grateful to have them.
“Beating the boys is always nice. You get a special sense of recognition, a look of acknowledgement, when you do well against them.
“Hopefully the tyres can make the difference in the Girls National, which is a huge event in the calendar for me. I’ll be starting with an added bit of belief, that’s for sure!”
This year, the whole Battlecross range is available as part of our exclusive tyre and tube trade deal – and you can get more information on that here.
Check out the whole Battlecross range here.
