Women making history racing The Dakar Rally – Bike category. These women have etched their names in Motorsport history for facing and overcoming extreme odds to compete and finish the world’s most grueling race – The Dakar Rally. Each rider has embraced their courage of conviction to race on two wheels over 14 days, unprotected from the elements of weather, undeterred by the vastness of terrain to cover, and unrelenting in their pursuit to cross the finish line and claim the ultimate Dakar Rally medal of victory.
Starting with Spanish rider and Dakar Legend – Laia Sanz. The 14x Dakar Rally competitor holds the unprecedented record of racing 11 consecutive Dakar’s in Bike category, achieving first female finisher in all 11 – from 2011 to 2021 – before transitioning to compete in Car category in 2022 to the present day. Undeniably, Laia represents the pinnacle of success competing and finishing all 14 Dakar’s, a testament to her strength of character for future Dakar rider’s to uphold to.
Dutch rider, Mirjam Pol embraced the whole experience of racing Dakar from 22 years of age in 2006 and remains the only female rider to have completed 10 Dakar’s in 3 continents: Africa, South America, and Saudi Arabia. Known for her deep affinity with sharing The Dakar Spirit with all, Mirjam holds the true essence of racing 14 days in cold and hot climes, over rocky and mountainous dunes, and navigating at speed – close to her heart.
The following two rider’s have achieved monumental status completing The Dakar Rally in Original by Motul category – meaning racing with No Assistance. Spanish rider Sara Garcia, made her debut entry in the Malle Moto class in 2019, only to succumb to a mechanical break-down and was unable to finish. Sara was back for redemption in 2020, making history as the first Spanish female to finish Dakar’s most challenging discipline, followed by repeated success in 2021 and in 2022 – the latter year gaining full support from Yamaha.
South Africa’s rider, Kirsten Landman made the all encompassing decision to debut in The Dakar Rally in 2020, having developed a wealth of experience competing in Hard Enduro Championships. Most certainly, the transition from riding the super technical disciplines of racing Red Bull Romaniacs, Roof of Africa and Sea to Sky to navigating 14 days of racing The Dakar at speed was a challenge in itself, Kirsten embraced the new calling as a once-in-a-life-time experience. So much so, Kirsten followed through on her pledge to achieve growth as a rider and as a person, completing Dakar Rally Malle Moto category in 2023.
The following rider’s have proved beyond doubt that talent and skills racing Enduro/Hard Enduro events coupled with a massive dose of mental fortitude are the essential ingredients to tackle racing The Dakar Rally. Spanish rider Sandra Gomez possesses all capabilities to race Dakar having achieved historical success as first female to finish Red Bull Romaniacs Gold class, along with multiple victories in Spanish Enduro Championships, ISDE, and Women’s Trial World Championships.
Sandra will be joining Fantic Racing for her 3rd Dakar Rally in 2025, aiming to top table standings in Women’s Bike category. British rider, Jane Daniels made her debut entry in the Dakar Rally under Fantic Racing in 2024, completing the 12 Stages in 48th position overall, winning the Women’s class, and taking maternity leave for the coming season.
The debut entries of French rider, Sara Jugla, South Africa’s, Taye Perry, and French rider, Audrey Rossat in 2021 marked a significant milestone for the number of women competing in Bike category. Each rider battled with the elements of racing Dakar for the first time, with Sara receiving time penalty due to late arrival at the bivouac putting her out of General classification.
Taye endured the most fearful of experiences, with mechanical break-down in the middle of Saudi Arabia’s desert, and waited many hours for help from fellow competitors before she could push her bike across the Stage finish line in the dark. Audrey held her anxiety at bay of racing and navigating alone in the sand dunes and rocky terrain of Dakar ‘021, to finish and re-enter the iconic race again in 2022.
The depth of committment and determination to race The Dakar Rally by all women cannot be underestimated or taken for granted as just another race completed by female rider’s. The historical record held by each rider not only raises the benchmark on what women can achieve on a bike over 14 days in the world’s most iconic race, but also elevates the platform of Women in Motorsport in general.
The Dakar Rally 2025, January 3 – 17. Header photo: Image: mchphotocz graphics MXLink.
Words: Sharon Cox.
Comments are closed.