Yael Kadshai competes in the up-coming Dakar Rally 2024 in Bike category. With only 2 women entered in the extremely demanding discipline, Yael remains resolute that her strength of mind, physical capacity, and committment to fulfilling long-held goal will provide the momentum needed to sustain 12 consecutive days of racing across the varying terrain of Saudi Arabia desert.
Having secured entry through completing 2023 Rally du Maroc, Yael draws on over 2 decades of experience riding bikes from an early age, to competing in Rally-Raid events from 2020 to present day. As Yael explains: ‘I’ve been riding off-road motorcycles since I learnt to walk, winning my first enduro title in 2009 – 2010, followed by competing in Hellas Rally in 2021 – 2022 finishing 1st in the Women’s category and 5th overall in bike classification’.
With a quest for learning how to improve endurance riding experience, Yael drew upon her father’s avid affinity to race Rally-Raid, specifically Dakar Rally in 1995, and set her sights on racing the same event, some 28 years later. If like daughter – like father – has a special ring to the phrase, there will be plenty of inspiration to draw upon, during the long, arduous days of racing that lie ahead.
For certain, competing Dakar in Bike category is hard, challenging, and holds risks other disciplines do not encounter. For starters, rider’s take on double task of racing at a speed that pushes the limit between maintaining safety while at the same time staving off competition to complete each Stage at desired position of results. Secondly, rider’s remain solely responsible for racing on board their respective bikes while at the same time reaching waypoints through careful navigation.
As Yael experienced in Rally du Maroc: ‘racing over 8 days, I experienced important learning curves – namely to drink every few minutes to avoid dehydration. After losing my way, navigating in Prologue, the second day was much better, managing tyres and fuel usage. Over the next days, with accurate navigation and drinking discipline, I managed to finish each Stage in a good position, despite the harsh temperature of 40 – 50 degrees’.
Despite the fact that Yael will be debut entry, amongst 146 rider’s – including Malle Moto and Quad categories, the Nomade Racing Team rider will start as she means to finish – with plenty of motivation, zeal, and aptitude to complete each Stage until the final leg on January 19. With less than 10 days to Prologue, and counting, Yael will not have to wait long to put long-term goals into action.
Dakar Rally 2024 January 5 – 19. Header photo: Yael Kadshai background image: Team Graphics: MXLink
Words: Sharon Cox.
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