Last Update: 8 January 2025
Each New Year, the world’s most gruelling endurance race kicks off — the legendary Dakar Rally. Starting on January 1, it symbolises the spirit of renewal and adventure that resonates with motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide. For me, it has always represented what the new year is all about: riding and overcoming challenges.
In this article, I focus on the incredible women riders who tackle the Dakar’s relentless terrain and unforgiving stages. The 2012 Dakar Rally sees fewer women motorcycle competitors than in previous years, yet those participating are anything but novices. No matter how experienced, the Dakar remains an unparalleled test of skill, determination, and endurance. As of Stage 7 (Rest Day), only one woman remains in the race— Laia Sanz , who claimed the Ladies Trophy the previous year and continues to prove her mettle on this unforgiving stage.
Dakar Rally Motorcycle History
The Dakar Rally holds a legendary place in motorcycling lore as the ultimate test of endurance, skill, and determination. Known as the pinnacle of adventure motorcycling, its story began in 1977 with a fateful twist of fate. Frenchman Thierry Sabine, competing in the Abidjan-Nice Rally, became lost in the vast expanse of the Libyan desert. Rescued from the unforgiving sands, he returned to France captivated by the raw beauty and challenge of the terrain, vowing to share this extraordinary experience with others.
Sabine envisioned a race that would start in Europe, journey through Algiers and Agadez, and conclude in Dakar. His dream materialised with the first Paris-Dakar Rally, encapsulated by the iconic motto he coined: “A challenge for those who go. A dream for those who stay behind.” Fuelled by his relentless conviction and the spark of brilliance that often drives audacious ideas, the Dakar Rally quickly became a reality.
Over the decades, the Dakar has grown into a unique event celebrated for its spirit of adventure and camaraderie amongst riders. Open to all, it has served as a platform for countless inspiring sporting and human stories. The rally’s reputation as an unparalleled challenge has never wavered, continuing to surprise, inspire, and ignite dreams for riders and spectators alike. Over the course of almost thirty years, it has generated innumerable sporting and human stories.
This year’s Dakar Rally has not been without its share of heartbreak and challenges. Tragically, motorcyclist Jorge Boer lost his life, a sobering reminder of the immense risks riders face. Stage 6 of the 2012 Dakar was also cancelled due to severe weather conditions.
Motorcycle Dakar Rally Women 2012
Just two women have enroled this year in the highly competitive bike category, a stark reminder of how few women participate in this gruelling race, yet their presence speaks volumes about their determination and skill to compete at the highest level alongside the world’s best riders.
Laia Sanz #45
Laia is a standout competitor hailing from Spain, riding the GAS GAS-sponsored Honda CRF 450X. This marks her second Dakar Rally, following her incredible debut in 2011, where she claimed the Ladies Trophy in her very first attempt. Her impressive background speaks volumes about her talent — she is an 11-time trial champion, showcasing her unparalleled skill and determination both on and off the Dakar stage.
Rosa Romero Font #78
Rosa is another talented Spanish rider competing on a KTM 450. She first experienced the Dakar in 2006 on a Yamaha but had to withdraw during the fifth stage. Unfortunately, this year, Rosa’s journey also ended early, as she withdrew for technical reasons during Stage 3. As a mother of three, her determination and passion for the race are evident, even though she was unable to finish. For many riders, simply completing the Dakar is a huge achievement, making this a difficult outcome for Rosa.
Rosa’s deep connection to the Dakar Rally extends beyond her own experience—her husband, Nani Roma, has been a fixture in the rally for 15 years, giving her invaluable insight and influence within the Dakar community.
QUADS / SSV
The quad class is another competitive division in the Dakar Rally, and this year, only one woman is racing amongst the men!
Camelia Liparoti #259
Camelia is a seasoned competitor, marking her fourth Dakar appearance. In 2011, she finished an impressive 10th, a remarkable feat in a field dominated by male riders. Camelia rides a Yamaha YFM 700R and has carved out a name for herself in the world of motorsport. A journalist and photographer by profession, she hails from Italy but now resides in France.
Camelia’s first Dakar was in 2009, though she didn’t complete the rally until 2012, with another successful finish in 2011. Her presence in the quad class is a testament to her resilience and determination.
Dakar Car Classification
In the Car division we have Isabelle Patisier #320 driving a Dessoude Buggy and with 10 Dakar’s behind her! And also first timer German Stefanie Manns #411 driving a McRae Pro Dakar Enduro
Co-Drivers / Co-Pilots
Women make terrific navigators – and many have always enjoyed the Dakar. This year we have Swiss Eugenie Decre #337 Co-driver of Gert Huzink; the French # 358 Christina Favre #358 co-driver with Frederic Favre and Argentinean #461 Adriana Andreani #461 co-driver with José Antonio Blangino.
Co-drivers in the truck category are Spanish Fina Roman #522 co driver with Jordan Juvanteny; Italian #564 Eleonora Dal Pra #564 with Giulio Verzeletti and also navigators Christina Favre #358, Stef Manns #411, Adriana Andreani #461 and Eleonora Dal Pra #564.
Former Dakar Rally Motorcycle Women Riders
The familiar faces from past years are notably absent this year — you’ll remember…
- Maria Sandell (SWE): the first Swedish female to finish the Dakar rally on motorcycle.
- Annie Seel (SWE)
- Mirjam Pol (NLD)
- Tamsin Jones (GBR)
- Tina Meier (DEU)
- Silvia Gianetti (ITA)
- Jenny Morgan (UK)
- Ludivine Puy (FRA)
Here are the withdrawals as of Stage Five (or Six):
- Motorcycle # 78 Rosa Romero Font 3rd stage withdrawal
- Car driver # 411 Stefanie Manns 5th stage withdrawal
- Co-driver car #461 Adriana Andreani no start in the 2012 Dakar rally
- Co-driver truck category #522 Fina Roman 4th stage withdrawal
- Co-driver truck category #564 Eleonora Dal Pra 4th stage withdrawal (this is an estimate as not noted in the official list and was their last position shown at stage three.
