Daniela Guillen has closed the gap to 3 points – “‘My goal is to be Women Motocross World Champion”‘. Such strength of conviction speaks volumes on the Spanish rider’s determination to achieve her goals making each and every point count heading into Round 6 at Arnhem on August 18.
Specifically, the RFME Spainish National Team rider has proved her committment to delivering consistently high end results scoring P1 overall in Round 1 in Spain, P2 in Round 2 in Sardegna, P3 in Round 3 at Galicia, P2 in Round 4 in Germany, and P3 in Round 5 at Maggoira GP. As the only WMX rider to stand on the podium in every Round this season, Daniela has narrowed the difference to current Red Plate holder – Lotte van Drunen – to 3 points with Guillen on 195 and Van Drunen on 198.
Such a tight contest for top honours has not been seen since the battle royal in 2020 where Dutch rider Nancy van de Ven edged out NZ’s Courtney Duncan after Race 2 in the penultimate Round 4 in Mantova – 166 points to 162 – only to have the table reversed in the Final Round in Trentino with Duncan taking the Title going 1 – 3 to Van de Ven’s 5 – 1.
With Daniela claiming victory on both hard pack and sand – in Spain and Sardegna – the looming challenge of operating at full gas on the sands of Arnhem prompted thoughtful preparation over the past 6 week gap. Daniela states: “‘I’ve spent three weeks in Belgium training on sand, as well as at Bud, practicing on their sand track. Physically, I’ve been working hard in the gym, and I’ve also had sessions to prepare myself mentally”‘.
At just 18 years of age, Daniela’s development of physical, mental, and technical capabilities on the bike bears no comparison to previous WMX rider’s. In the space of 4 seasons – starting with debut entry in WMX 2021 finishing P9, to racing only 2 Rounds in 2022 finishing P3 in Sardegna and P2 in Spain, to racing a full season in 2023 nailing an impressive P2 overall with a total of 10 podiums from 12 races – Daniela’s results are outstanding.
Daniela: “‘What motivates me every day to keep training is the dream of becoming a Motocross World Champion. The season is almost over, and I plan to make every lap count to get closer to that goal. I’m going all in”‘.
If racing against the best women motocross rider’s in the world means constantly assessing where improvements could be made – how and why – Daniela and her Team have stepped up to the plate knowing that the Spanish teenager has enviable character traits to edge out the competition. Results in WMX Round at Arnhem last season were: Daniela P2 overall going 3 – 2 which proves beyond all doubt that a win across the finish line next weekend is possible.
Daniela: “‘In the end, each rider determines how competitive their season is by really focusing on what’s important. Unlike last year, this season my top priorities have been physical fitness and nutrition, areas where I struggled before. I know what my goal is, and I know these changes are bringing me closer to it, and that motivates me”‘.
Most certainly, anticipation on who will stand top of the podium at Arnhem will be down to who blinks first – bet Daniela can nail this one!
Header photo: Daniela Guillen racing WMX Round 5 at MXGP of Italy Image: @jpacevedophoto
Words: Sharon Cox.
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