Rachel Gutish embraces new challenge racing FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship with Round 1 this weekend at Fafe, Portugal. With a wealth of experience racing her home-land – America’s GNCC for the past 13 years, along with accumulative Titles including ISDE Women’s World Trophy with Team USA 2x, Rachel aspires to produce her best possible performance over the 5 Round Series, starting on April 5 – 7.
The decision to for-go completing a full season in GNCC WXC – with Rachel currently standing P5 after 4 Rounds – speaks volumes on Rachel’s ability to make the most of opportunities when presented, even if embracing the unknown means sacrificing the familiar comfort zone.
And, there in lies the crux on how Rachel has achieved growth in her professional racing career through transition of skills from grass-roots level, to National Enduro and Sprint Enduro’s, to bronze medalist in X-Games, to Individual and Team winner in International Six Days Enduro events.
With count-down to FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship Round 1, Rachel shares her thoughts on how the decision came about, what it means to her career, and why taking on board new challenges not only ramps up untapped potential to achieve results on the bike, but also inspires younger females to do the same.
Rachel: ‘I’m very excited to be here! I’ve raced a long time, nearly 13 years of doing GNCCs, and I felt it was time to try something new and exciting. It was a last-minute decision, and only happened thanks to a friend from the ISDE, Nieve Holmes, and her boyfriend Chris Hockey for helping me sort out all the logistics and find a motorcycle. It’s been an adventure already just to get here, and exactly what I needed.
I’m trying to come in without too many expectations. I’ve been very successful both as part of my team and as an individual at ISDE. Knowing that the format is similar to that and having a background in Hard Enduro and EnduroCross leads me to believe this is something I could be successful at – but I won’t know until I get there!
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me, so my main focus is having fun and riding to the best of my ability. Once the first two rounds are over, I will have a better idea of my strengths and weaknesses and know what sort of training I’ll need to prioritize before the next one’.
Most certainly, Rachel’s committment to compete in Women’s Enduro World Championship increases her potential to pitch her skills against elite rider’s of the Series which has long list of accolades awarded to British rider Jane Daniels winning the Title in 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023, along with Spanish rider Laia Sanz claiming Titles in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2021.
All of which breaks historical precedent, with Rachel becoming the first American female to race all Rounds knowing she has established results in the format for the weekend – namely completing timed tests over the 60kms loop 3x on Saturday April 6 and Sunday April 7.
Rachel: ‘I cannot thank Nieve, Chris and Kiwi’s bike shop enough for helping me navigate the challenges! Prior ISDE experience, in this case in regards to traveling overseas extensively, has also been very helpful. If all I had ever done was race in the USA, I think coming over here would be exceptionally challenging- as it is, the 36 hour boat ride across the English Channel was traumatizing enough, not to mention all manner of planes and trains and rental cars and walking across unfamiliar towns… if I had no experience overseas I’m pretty sure I would already have been lost somewhere in Europe, hahaha. But we figured things out – so the hard part’s over, now all I have to do is ride my dirtbike!’
If carving a racing career involves elements of decision making, knowing when to transition, and when to move outside known comfort zones, Rachel exemplifies the lot – while enjoying the journey along the way.
FIM Women’s Enduro World Championship Round 1 April 5 – 7. Header image: Rachel Gutish Credit: @offroadpaparazzi
Words: Sharon Cox.
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