I
f there ever was a ‘royal family’ of Aquabike Racing, hands
down it would go to the Poret family from the South East
of France.
Elder brothers Mickael, 27, and Jeremy, 26, have
dominated Ski GP1 over the last four years winning the
World title twice each and now younger brother Morgan,
23, is looking to take over the mantle in the coming years.
For the youngest family member, Estelle, who turned 18 in March
and who made her World Championship debut at just 15, having
three elder brothers and Champions to emulate has already
helped her too win the French title twice as she looks to win her
first World crown after taking her maiden race win in Italy.
It all started 25 years ago when father Gilles and wife Nathalie
decided to take up a sport that they both could enjoy together
and include the youngsters.
Gilles, you are the father to this ‘clan’ how did you and your wife
Nathalie get started?
“My wife and I wanted to do things together so we looked at a
couple of options. At first we thought that motocross would be
the answer but it didn’t work for my wife as a rider so instead we
jumped at the idea of racing Jet Skis.
“We did in 1989 and it was a great way to take the family along
since two of my sons Mickael and Jeremy were less than two
years old. We were a ‘clan’ and we travelled and raced around
France in those early years getting our feet wet in the sport.”
Do you gather the family together before the start of the season
and discuss strategy, budgets, travel and all the logistics it takes
to have all four family members who race on the same page?
“Actually, we don’t have one particular meeting we literally
discuss it every day while at our family business. You see, I am
in the windows and doors construction business and most of
the family work with me. So it’s easy to keep everyone informed
on new ideas and strategy, we can talk it all out during lunch if
needed. It works very well indeed being under one roof.”
Jeremy, the middle brother of the family is a multi-time world
title holder. Did he have to work hard to push past his older
brother Mickael early on?
“Yes, I learned early in racing that since I was younger I was going
to have to fight a little harder to get my career going. Mickael
being the oldest was always challenging me and if I was going to
win, I’d have to push past him which wasn’t always easy.”
Do you look for your brothers while you are racing in the same
event?
“Normally, I am focused on my own situation, but, yes I do look
for them when I have a moment just to see where I am verses
their pace during an event. It’s fun to gauge where I am verses
their progress.”
Did you pick on your younger sister Estelle when she was ready
to race?
“No, actually I spent a lot of time teaching her the special nuances
of the sport and she’s doing very well. I’m happy for her.”
Morgan is the youngest of the three brothers and he told us
about his ‘identity’ on the team and where he fits in with the
business.
“I’m 23-years-old and since I’m the youngest I get some of the
hand down pieces. Not really, but since my two brothers have
both won world titles, I want to desperately to do the same
someday soon.
INTERVIEW
H20 MAGAZINE - SEPTEMBER 2014 | 17
h2oracing.net
