Mirjam Pol: “No Dakar for me, I’m not fit enough”

Mirjam gets straight to the point: “Unfortunately I will not be at the start of the Dakar rally in Saudi Arabia next January. I regret that choice, even though I made it myself.

Earlier this year, I became infected with the Corona virus. Initially, I seemed to have a fairly normal recovery. Unfortunately, this recovery stagnated after a while. For a long time, I thought it would fade away and I still had quite some time for recovery. But now I must be honest, honest towards myself and everyone around me. I am now at the point where I have to make a decision.”

Am I able to compete this Dakar or not?

And if I’m honest to myself it’s not a choice at all, it just won’t work. In other words, there will be no Dakar 2024 for me.”

She then further explains her decision:

“The way I see it, we motorcyclists are specialists in ‘risk management’. The challenge for us is to ride as fast as possible without crashing. And that means; riding at the edge of your own capabilities. In a split second we have to decide, open or close the throttle? Turn in or not? To brake or not to brake? To look or not to look at the roadbook at that very moment. Can my bike handle this? One bad decision and you’re down on the ground.

But there is a whole process preceding that. I eliminate most risks in my preparation. By being well prepared at the start, with a good bike, a good team and in good shape.

And the remaining risks are the so-called ‘risks part of the job’, which you accept as a motor rider. But this time the whole situation is completely different. I’m not fit, I’m not sharp and I’m not gonna be fit and sharp before the Dakar starts.”

And no matter how difficult such a decision is, it is the only right one. Mirjam will take the upcoming period to work at her recovery.

“And then sometime during the course of next year we will make new plans again, including Dakar rally 2025…”

Other protagonists of previous editions absent

Spanish riders Sandra Gomez and Sara Garcia confirmed to our microphones that they will most likely not be able to attend the iconic race. It’s a matter of budget, not physical condition.
Participating in the Dakar is a very expensive undertaking. Registration for the race alone can cost over 19,000 euros, which includes entry fees, security and monitoring. However, this is only part of the cost. There are many other expenses to consider, such as transport, accommodation, food, equipment, vehicle maintenance and much more. Therefore, the total cost can be much higher.

Confirmed, however, is the presence of Jane Daniels riding Fantic.

ph. Mirjam Pol Facebook profile