Sara Garcia has such presence of mind when speaking face-to-face, honest in comments, thoughtful in answers and appreciative of taking on board challenges and making them happen. Not so easy, given Sara’s chosen sport is World Rallies including racing the infamous Dakar Rally.
If 2020 has provided enough disruptions, changes of race schedules, and uncertainty of when racing would resume, Sara takes it all in her stride, making room for adjustment in training, moving goal-posts when needed, and sustaining all important positive mind-set which is back-bone of Sara’s character.
With long 7 months gap with no racing, the Yamaha Pont Grup rider completed FIM Baja World Championship Round One in Portugal few weeks ago, as test back to race-mode coming in 2nd place over 2 day event.
In stark contrast to racing Dakar Rally 2020 12 Stages over 14 days, Garcia settled into racing new terrain even amid sudden change of weather conditions turning track to slippery, muddy route.
If one point stood out, it was difference in race strategy for 2 day event compared to completing 12 Stages of Dakar Unassisted. As Sara reflects, it was not only the challenge of racing over Saudia Arabia’s terrain- sand, rocky sections, flat plains and steep dunes, it was the mentally taxing task of noting any mechanical issues that could occur through-out early morning start to late-in-day finish. x 12.
Speaking fondly on having accomplished such lofty, high profile goal, Sara is emphatic that the experience of racing Dakar Rally had significant impact on her ability to prepare for next Rally event. Just knowing she was able to complete, cross the finish line on Day 12 in ‘Unassisted Category’ carried sense of victory never to be taken away from her.
Having completed all mechanical maintenance on her bike after each Stage, having raced with lack of sleep, having endured mental fatigue but continued to end proved Sara’s deep desire to fulfil expectations rang true.
Currently in midst of making plans, arrangements, budget and confirmations to race Dakar Rally 2021, Sara continues schedule of training testing all physical attributes via riding varying terrain in Spain, gym sessions, cycling, rock-climbing, yoga and all important relax time.
With FIM Baja World Championship Round 2 on 11-13th November, the Spanish female role model puts inspiration and motivation at top of list- as well as making time for Live Chat with MXLink.
Special thanks to Sara for her time.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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