Sports Sponsorship: IPERIA Proud of "Its" BMX-Racing World Champion

IPERIA l'Institut has just renewed its one-year financial support for Mariane Beltrando, age 14, who won the triple crown during the 2017 BMX racing season: world, European, and French champion. Meet this young fighter and her mother, Isabelle, a childcare provider, who share their passion for this extreme sport.

Mariane, can you introduce us to your discipline: BMX-Racing?

Mariane Beltrando: It's a highly athletic individual bicycle race on a track resembling motocross. The tracks, specially designed, generally measure 300 to 400 metres. They have turns and bumps on the straightaways. Starts are made from a raised mound of 5 to 8 metres, meaning you can't see the bottom of the track at the beginning. The objective is obviously to be first across the finish line. In each race, everything happens in 40 seconds, one lap's duration. You have to be fit! BMX-Racing is both physical- requiring strength, speed, and endurance- and very tactical and technical. It's considered an extreme sport and requires being a daredevil, which explains why many more boys than girls practice it.

You've been practicing BMX since you were 4. What do you enjoy and what motivates you most about this sport?

M. B.: I discovered this sport through my brother, who practiced it. Beyond the adrenaline that BMX provides, I like the spirit: even if we're all competitors on the track, there's great respect and camaraderie between riders. We don't give each other any breaks during races, but we support each other and share advice outside them. When one of us falls, we're there for support and encouragement. When we win, it's the same; there's no jealousy. It's truly a sport with a fantastic atmosphere!

You just won the BMX-Race World Championships in the 14-year-old category in the United States in July. How do you envision your future career?

M. B.: This title is, first and foremost, a personal victory, energy to move forward. It proves I can do it and that all the years of sacrifices were worth it. It's also a way to thank everyone who invests in me: my parents who support me and finance my travel and equipment; my coach who's always there, even when I lose. That said, I'm still young and it's tough to make a living from this sport, which isn't well known, especially in France. So, I don't know what I want to do in the future yet. As with each new season, my goal today is the French, European, and World Championships. I'd like to achieve the triple crown again this year. I also hope to participate in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

How did you come to meet IPERIA?

Isabelle Beltrando: I've been a childcare provider for 5 years and knew IPERIA through its training programmes. The connection with IPERIA happened in 2016 through the director of the Art'incelle training organisation in Montpellier. I was seeking support for Mariane's journey. I was especially pleased as this was IPERIA's first sports sponsorship. For a year now, we've developed genuine discussion and mutual support.

The values upheld by IPERIA -- Sharing, Inventiveness, Fighting spirit -- are also those you apply daily in BMX. How does this help you progress?