Emma Bristow recognised for services to motorsport with MBE

Eight-time World Trials Champion, Emma Bristow, has been recognised in the King’s debut birthday honours list with an MBE for services to motorsport and women in sport.

A delighted Bristow told MCN: “I am so honoured to receive this award. It was completely unexpected, all I have ever tried to do is keep improving myself and with it raise the level of women’s competition.

“I just want to thank everybody who has supported my career, but in particular to thank Sherco Motorcycles who have committed to women in motorsport above and beyond any other manufacturer.”

The award recognises Bristow’s career in motorsport which so far includes a total of 44 GP wins, eight World Trials titles and a further two World SuperEnduro titles, making her one of Britain’s top female athletes.

Emma’s life on two wheels started early. Grandfather Geoff Traves was a road racer turned trials rider who then got his sons (Emma’s uncles, Chris and David) into trials. With trials riding being a regular thing on the family farm it was only natural that Emma joined in.

“Growing up, I rode with my brothers and my cousins and there was one other girl in there with us, so it’s maybe not a strange thing for me and to see that it’s not strange is perhaps the most important thing.

“Since I’ve been riding there’ve been a lot more women riders. At the end of the day, we’re all the same really aren’t we, so there’s no reason why girls can’t ride motorbikes.”

Emma now waits for the official date to attend Buckingham Palace to receive her MBE.