JUNE 4, 2008
Ste-Julie, Quebec has played host to the opening round of the Monster Energy Motocross Nationals for the past three years. photo: James Lissimore
By Danny Brault
The Monster Energy Motocross Nationals feature some of Canada's best racetracks. From the opening round in Ste-Julie, Quebec, to the final round in Walton, Ontario, the racers following the nine round tour must survive a variety of soil, terrain, obstacles, and weather conditions. This new feature on www.racerxcanada.com, sponsored by Sturgess Cycle, takes you onto each track found on the Canadian national circuit—and a few hot spots along the way—through a rider’s POV.
Let’s review the first track in Ste-Julie, Quebec, and take a look at what makes this circuit such a favourite among the riders….
How can you not love the Ste-Julie layout? Riding it makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time; a time where monstrous triples and hip-deep whoops don’t exist. Sure, the track has a few peaked up jump faces, followed by hard, flat landings, but, for the most part, it’s just a natural flowing layout that a rider of any ability can enjoy. In the mornings, the track is deeply tilled and saturated with water, and, by the first MX2 moto, it's perfect.
My favourite parts of Ste-Julie are the constant elevation changes and deep ruts that form in the corners. Well, maybe not the footpeg draggers that were featured in the 2006 mudfest. I also enjoy seeing how far I can fly over the uphill launch, which is now known as “Facciotti Hill,” after his big get-off in practice this year.
For spectators, it’s hard to beat Ste-Julie. You can pretty much see every corner no matter where you’re standing. You can enjoy a poutine and Coors Light without missing a thing. Okay, enough gabbing here, click play on the helmet cam video below and you can experience Ste-Julie first hand, thanks to our GoPro Helmet Hero Camera. To find more about the cool little GoPro Hero (and where you can pick one up) click right here!
