bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Profile: Cros Francis
Calling Sydney home is this week’s bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup profile, who also currently sits in fourth place on the inaugural 2019 leader board. Cros Francis, at the age of just 12, has already notched up substantial experience in more than four disciplines, including Road Race, Motocross, Dirt Track and Enduro, making him a formidable opponent on the bitumen.
Flying under #42, Francis has emerged as his family’s first motorcyclist. At such a young age, #42 continues to comfortably navigate what is a predominantly foreign landscape, remaining utterly positive in his approach to all his commitments, be that school, training or the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.
Describing himself as “motorbike-mad”, Francis heads into next weekend’s Round 3 at Morgan Park Raceway, Queensland, with a fire in his belly as he vies for a spot in the top three.
Tell us about where your love for motorcycle racing began and why?
It’s strange as my family has no motorcycle background, but mum always says that when I was one, we went to the MotoGP at Phillip Island and I sat in my stroller for three days just watching the bikes go by. She says it was the best babysitting service ever!
Then at two I got a peewee for Christmas which I still have in my room. My sister Tayla has her eyes on it, much to my parents’ worry! I loved that Peewee, I sat with it and slept with it and then eventually my parents let me learn to ride in empty carparks.
I think I just love all aspects about this sport it really just clicked with me from an early age.
Tell us about the first time you hopped on a motorcycle.
I think was about two and I was with my dad at a carpark. I was on the bike and Dad tied essentially a leash to the bike and I got to ride around for about a straight hour!
Thinking back, tell us about one of your favourite memories growing up when it comes to motorcycling?
One of my favourite memories was when we were on holidays in Italy, and I was 8. Filippo (my Italian big brother) organised a pit bike race at the local karting track between himself, my dad and I, which is even funnier because my dad cannot ride! It was so much fun…Filippo and I lapped my dad several times but we both ran off the track and had to give dad the win in the end. He never lets me live that down.
What career do you hope to end up in? For example, WSBK or MotoGP racer?
Oh gee, I would love to do things like WSBK or MotoGP. Whatever I do, I just want to be able to keep riding motorbikes.
Tell us who your sporting idol is. How have they impacted you and your love for motorcycling?
I admire riders like Marc Marquez and Valentino Rossi. I really admire their attitude and of course, their style of racing. They’re always really positive and never get angry at what other people do. Instead, they stay true to themselves.
What have you learnt from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup?
It’s been an amazing and very unexpected experience so far. This is all very new to me as it is my very first full race season, having only done a few club events before, and late last year marking the first time I’ve ever ridden a Yamaha YZF-R15.
I am learning that there is so much off the bike that is important which has been the hardest part for me. So much that happens leading up to and on the day. It’s been overwhelming but I am growing and getting better at it.
The level of competition and the battle with the other riders is so much fun. I also really enjoy the fact that we are all on the same bikes, so you need to rely more on skill rather than speed to win!
Damian Cudlin has also been a really great coach for me. I have learnt a lot of Damian and his brother at MotoStars events as well, which has been really great!
I do want my first win though having finished on the podium in all races and crashing out from the last on my way to another podium.
Tell us about your bike, helmet, leathers, gloves and boots. How are you adjusting to the new bike? How do you find the products that have been chosen specially for you?
The bike is incredibly easy to handle and I love riding it! It’s such a great bike to ride, it’s so comfortable and fast! The Pirelli tyres are so good, they give us so much grip.
The gear we receive is absolutely top notch! I know this firsthand because I’ve have come off the bike already, and I came away absolutely fine. The quality of our gear makes you feel super safe when you’re both on and off the bike!
I think the leathers are perfect and fit me like a glove! The boots are really supportive too!
When I first got to choose my AGV helmet design, that was so much fun because there were so many different styles and options to pick from!
We will release profiles from the class of 2019 each week, so be sure to stay tuned on your favourite star by heading to ASBK.com.au and following the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup Facebook page!
Images courtesy of tbg Sport
