Kirsten Landman is ready to race 2023 Dakar Rally in Malle Moto category having made her debut entry in the world’s most grueling race in 2020. Finishing P55 in Bike category and P3 in Women’s class in her first Dakar, Kirsten now looks forward with much excitement to complete 15 days racing the ultimate of Dakar categories – ‘Original by Motul’ – Bike class which means No Assistance.
For certain, Kirsten has endured extremes of competing in most challenging of races through-out her career, cementing physical, mental, and technical capabilities to face all that racing delivers on route. From racing Roof Africa Gold Class, to Red Bull Sea to Sky, to completing Red Bull Romaniacs Silver Class, to competing in National Enduro’s over the years, Kirsten has consolidated her ability on the bike over varied terrain and time.
Not to say, Kirsten has endured pushing herself outside her comfort zone, as racing Dakar at speed was far cry from navigating the rocky sections in Roof of Africa or Red Bull Romaniacs. Did she enjoy the experience? Not enough to jump for joy, but enough to be drawn to the allure, the desire, the heart felt passion to compete in such a challenging race which tests all limits of a rider.
Speaking with Kirsten pre-racing Dakar in 2020, to discussing how the South African will approach 2023 Dakar has brought couple of facts to light. First, Kirsten has evolved as a person over last couple of years – clocking up extra training time, extra mileage on bike, and extra moments for reflection on overcoming disappointment when plans don’t pan out, and acknowledging when success has been achieved.
Secondly, Kirsten holds greater mental strength to face what lies ahead, albeit mostly unknown, though backed by calm persona that she can deliver performance on her bike for x number of days. Sure, racing 2023 Dakar from Red Sea Camp across entire continent of Saudi Arabia to Arabian Gulf over 15 days will be test like no other. And, for certain, racing Stages 1-14 with Prologue on December 31, reaching bivouac at end of each day to then check bike mechanics on your own, to set up your tent, food, gear on your own, and to suffer lack of sleep which only increases over course of time – will stretch even the toughest of competitors. Just ask Dakar Rally rider Sara Garcia – first female to complete Original by Motul category in 2020 and 2021.
On the eve of 2023 Dakar Rally, Kirsten shares her thoughts on how preparations have been going: ‘Its all very exciting to be going back to the Dakar Rally and now competing in a tougher class.
The reason I decided to give the Malle Moto class a try is that after Dakar 2020 I was very happy with a great race and getting to the finish with no problems but I left with a desire for more adventure and a bigger challenge. Everyone who I spoke to when I chatted about it said that if you want to get the full Dakar experience then you must enter Malle Moto. And that’s how I decided. It is also a passion of mine to do all my own mechanical work on my bike. I really enjoy that aspect of my racing and now I get to race and work on my own bike in the biggest Rally in the world.
The most rewarding part in 2020 was finishing the Rally safely and on a clean slate with no penalties. The most challenging part of the Dakar was the cold, I really battled with the cold temperatures. The whole experience of doing Dakar, stepping out my comfort zone and racing Rally with the high speeds has changed all my riding. I’ve become way more confident in my abilities to go faster and push my body and mind further. It has also given me great confidence in my riding and my abilities which since Dakar 2020 has grown massively.
For 2023 Dakar, I will take each day as it comes. Deal with each kilometer as they come and keep a smart, levelled, calculated head about what I’m doing and what lies ahead. I also believe preparation is the biggest aspect and this year I believe I’m very well prepared’.
2023 Dakar Rally December 31 to January 15.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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