As seen in The DirtFish: Saturday is the third annual DirtFish Women in Motorsport Summit and it is, by some distance, the biggest and the best we’ve ever prepared.
Four-time world rally winner and founding president of the FIA’s Women and Motor Sport Commission Michèle Mouton has been at the very heart of DirtFish’s Women’s Month since it began in 2022. Michèle guest edited the website two years ago and flew out to the Summit last year.
She’s back at DirtFish on Saturday. Here’s Michèle’s thinking on why she’s returning to the Pacific Northwest to join us: “You know, last year at DirtFish, it was one of the first times that I really thought about what I achieved in 40 years and how this could help other women. Going to the Summit and meeting those people, they really showed me that I was being a role model, I was inspiring them and that’s why I am happy to be back.”
Newly announced FIA WRC Commission president and multiple world champion team principal (as well as former Rally Finland podium finisher in a Group N car) Pernilla Solberg is another returnee – and this time we will ask her about the time she flew a rally car 68 meters over a jump on a rally in Germany!
Becs Williams is a friend and colleague to both Mouton and Solberg – it’s been both her job and her passion to talk about these iconic drivers. And on Saturday, she’s going to talk to the Summit about her time behind the mic.
The stage is set, the stories are coming.
It doesn’t stop there. We’re not all about the stage. We’re all about motorsport.
Vanessa Ruck has just finished fourth in a season of rallying in the Defender Rally Series in the UK, but she’s not known as the girl on a bike for nothing – last month she completed the 13-day, near 4,000-mile Africa Eco Race on her KTM. She’s the very definition of hardcore, badass. But her story is put into even more context when you consider the accident she had not long ago. Vanessa’s person story is incredible.
The team here at DirtFish is just incredible,” said Rimmer. “Honestly, it’s easy to sit here and say we couldn’t have done it without them, but truly, this wouldn’t be happening without the incredible commitment and determination that comes from everybody. I can’t thank them enough.
“Saturday is the culmimation of months’ of hard work from so many people. It’s going to be amazing. We’ve got everything planned for you, from those amazing panelists to awesome vendors, the best food and coffee in all of Seattle – and that’s saying something! The music’s sorted with DK Mixxtress and, of course, thrill rides right here at the world’s best Rally School.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Bnn Breaking: Experience the thrill of off-road racing with the 2024 Defender Rally Series in the UK, where celebrities and seasoned racers compete in customized Defender 90s. Embrace the impossible and witness the convergence of adventure and competition.
The 2024 Defender Rally Series in the UK is gearing up to be an unprecedented event with a record-breaking 16 driver and co-driver pairings set to compete. Among the notable participants are Shane Lynch, a former member of Boyzone, and Vanessa Ruck, known for her adventure motorcycle racing exploits. This series not only highlights the rugged capability of Defender vehicles but also serves as a platform for drivers of various skill levels to showcase their talent in off-road racing.
Unveiling the Competitors and the Championship Vehicle
At the heart of the series are the customized Defender 90s, each adorned with a unique championship livery, ready to tackle the demanding environments of off-road racing. Based on the P300 production models, these rally-ready Defenders come equipped with a 300PS Ingenium petrol engine and added safety features, requiring minimal modifications for participation. The announcement of the vehicle specifications and the diverse lineup of drivers, including celebrities and seasoned racers, has set the stage for an exhilarating championship.
Embracing the Impossible
The series embodies the ’embrace the impossible’ ethos of the Defender brand, challenging participants to push their limits across seven rounds, starting at Walters Arena in Wales. With comprehensive support from Bowler in vehicle preparation and logistics, competitors are assured of a focus on driving and competition. This initiative not only highlights the capabilities of the Defender vehicles but also emphasizes the spirit of adventure and competition among the participants.
A Platform for Progression
Featuring a mix of novices and experienced racers, the 2024 Defender Rally Series offers a unique opportunity for competitors to develop and hone their off-road racing skills. The inclusion of high-profile competitors like Shane Lynch and Vanessa Ruck adds a layer of excitement and visibility to the series, attracting fans and aspiring racers alike. This alignment of stars, vehicles, and challenging terrains promises to make the upcoming season the most competitive and captivating yet.
As the countdown to the series begins, the 2024 Defender Rally Series is poised to become a landmark event in UK motorsport. Beyond the competition, it represents the convergence of adventure, skill, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. With each round, competitors will not only vie for the championship but also contribute to the legacy of the Defender brand in off-road racing.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Visit Monaco: Embark on a 6500-km odyssey from Monaco to Dakar in the 15th Africa Eco Race. Join Jean-Louis Schlesser and godmother Adriana Karembeu in this epic motorsport adventure!
On 30 December 2023, Jean-Louis Schlesser, the well-known French driver and mastermind behind the event, officially got the 15th Africa Eco Race under way at Monaco’s Port Hercule, alongside Adriana Karembeu, patron of this year’s race.
The African rally has been based in the Principality for some years now, creating a worthy combination of an environmentally-friendly race and a Principality always looking to the future, with a century-old love affair with motor racing into the bargain.
The African Eco Race is committed to protecting the environment in more ways than one. In addition to the everyday actions recommended by the organisers and the sustainable events inspired by the rally, especially in Mauritania, many competitors use the race to raise awareness for ambitious projects. This year, for example, saw Arnaud Jacquart riding an all-electric motorcycle, while Team Latvia went with an electric car, Willy Jobard opted for a hybrid water-powered motorcycle, and André Lenoble raced through the desert on a motorbike fitted with photovoltaic cells. All of these solutions encourage a keen interest in the future and give another facet to the Africa Eco Race.
This 15th edition of the race itself was won by motorcycle rider Aprilia Jacopo Cerutti, ahead of Alessandro Botturi and Pol Torres, both riding Yamahas. The top-placed woman was Vanessa Ruck, who finished 27th in the motorcycle category
One of the biggest feats of the fortnight came from famous rider Joan Pedrero, who successfully brought home a Harley-Davidson 1250 Pan America, confirming that the iconic big bikes aren’t just made for Route 66. The motorcyclists were on top form this year, with 34 of the 47 riders making it across the finish line. The Africa Eco Race 2024 ended with a 15 km special stage around the majestic Lake Retba, a route that every year features incredible landscapes and unforgettable encounters with the local population.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Times Local News: LANGTON Green bike racer Vanessa Ruck made history in Dakar, Senegal on Sunday January 14 when she became the first British woman to finish the Africa Eco Race.
The race, which follows the route of the old Dakar Rally, is infamous for its difficulty and is widely considered one of the world’s toughest endurance races due to the 6,000km course. It passes through some of the harshest terrain in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal, including Sahara Desert dunes of up to 400 metres high.
Nicknamed ‘The Girl On A Bike’, Vanessa Ruck is renowned within the global motorsport community for her incredible courage, resilience and off-road motorbike-racing talent since recovering from a severe injury caused by being struck by a car while out cycling in 2014.
Nearly 10 years on from her accident, Vanessa said: “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive!”
Vanessa revealed to the Times that the toughest part of the race was the psychological side of the monumental challenge and the motivation to keep going after the third day when ‘your body is aching’ and there are still thousands of miles left to go. “You have to focus on one day at a time,” she said.
While tackling the long, gruelling days in the desert alone, Vanessa was supported by a team of three. Mechanically such a race requires considerable assistance which came in the form of Joe Mercer of Desert Rose Racing. She also had two friends, Anika Bailey and Keri-Anne Thurley to take care of her nutrition, welfare, filming for her social channels, and general psychological support.
As one of only 25 of the 46 riders in the motorbike category in the 2024 event managing to complete the whole course, Vanessa spent over 103 hours in total on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike.
Vanessa finished the 13-day Sahara Desert race in 27th place overall but claimed first place in the women’s category.
She said that being the first British woman to complete the race is ‘an incredible feeling’.
She added: “It’s not often in life we get to break new territories in such a huge way. I feel proud and feel I’ve achieved something for the UK, but I also really hope I won’t be the only one for long.
“I hope my story inspires other women to tackle new challenges and realise it’s possible with hard work.”
Most racers would have likely had time off to rest following such a tough race, however, Vanessa travelled to Gambia for a week’s work supporting the charity, Two Wheels for Life.
She hopes to use her social media following to help share the story of the work they do within mobilising healthcare in Africa through the use of motorcycles.
For the rest of The Times Local Newsarticle see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Bournemouth Echo: Vanessa Ruck, a Bournemouth graduate, breaks barriers as the first British woman to conquer the grueling African Eco Race on her KTM 450 Rally Replica. Join her journey and support Two Wheels for Life’s mission in Gambia.
A Bournemouth graduate has become the first British woman to complete one of the world’s toughest motor races.
Vanessa Ruck, 37, has completed a 6,000 km race that took her from the casinos of Monaco to the Dunes of Dakar, Senegal, in 13 days.
Competing in the Africa Eco Race, which sees competitors race the old Dakar route, she was one of the few to successfully complete the race on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike.
Vanessa said: “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.
“I feel really proud to have to be the first British woman to have done this. I’m not the first to try but to be successful is mind blowing.”
Nicknamed ‘the girl on a bike’, Vanessa’s result is even more incredible considering her near incident in 2014.
While riding her motorbike in the UK, a car pulled in front of her which she hit head-on. She was rushed to A&E with injuries to her head, shoulder, knee, and hip.
Starting bike racing after the incident, Vanessa’s achievements have come on an incredible road to recovery.
On her recent success in the race, Vanessa said: “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive.”
One of only 25 out of 46 in her category to complete the full race, she spent 103 hours on her bike and finished 27th overall.
Vanessa followed the race with a visit to Gambia with charity Two Wheels for Life.
The charity aims to fund motorbike transport for healthcare services in Africa.
A brand ambassador for the charity, Vanessa said: “The infrastructure in Gambia is very limited, it’s lot of dirt roads and it’s a long time to get anywhere.
“Motorcycles are ideal due to able to 410km a tank and their agility. Two Wheels For Life brings in 66,000 litres of fuel for their 440 vehicles which they then distribute to make sure people can get help.”
For the rest of The Bournemouth Echoarticle see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Ground News: Vanessa Ruck, 37, has completed a 6,000 km race that took her from the casinos of Monaco to the Dunes of Dakar, Senegal, in 13 days.
Competing in the Africa Eco Race, which sees competitors race the old Dakar route, she was one of the few to successfully complete the race on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike.
Vanessa said: “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.
“I feel really proud to have to be the first British woman to have done this. I’m not the first to try but to be successful is mind blowing.”
Nicknamed ‘the girl on a bike’, Vanessa’s result is even more incredible considering her near incident in 2014.
While riding her motorbike in the UK, a car pulled in front of her which she hit head-on. She was rushed to A&E with injuries to her head, shoulder, knee, and hip.
Starting bike racing after the incident, Vanessa’s achievements have come on an incredible road to recovery.
On her recent success in the race, Vanessa said: “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive.”
One of only 25 out of 46 in her category to complete the full race, she spent 103 hours on her bike and finished 27th overall.
Vanessa followed the race with a visit to Gambia with charity Two Wheels for Life.
The charity aims to fund motorbike transport for healthcare services in Africa.
A brand ambassador for the charity, Vanessa said: “The infrastructure in Gambia is very limited, it’s lot of dirt roads and it’s a long time to get anywhere.
“Motorcycles are ideal due to able to 410km a tank and their agility. Two Wings for Life brings in 66,000 litres of fuel for their 440 vehicles which they then distribute to make sure people can get help.”
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The EasySim.global: Vanessa Ruck, also known as ‘The Girl on a Bike’, made history by becoming the first British woman to finish the gruelling 6,000km Africa Eco Race. The challenging 13-day motorcycle endurance race, which follows the original Pari-Dakar route, proved to be a formidable test of skill and resilience.
Vanessa’s courageous journey
Facing terrain with an attrition rate so high that only 54 percent of the motorcycle category riders successfully completed it, Vanessa tackled sand dunes and blistering temperatures on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike. She not only finished the race, making her the first British woman to do so, but finished 27th overall, an incredible achievement.
“I still can’t quite believe I actually made it the finish,” says Vanessa. “I trained hard and knew I would have to fight with all I have but to finish was my ultimate goal – and I did it! I can now truly understand why finishing the Dakar is such a respected achievement. It was brutal, but epic in so many ways.”
” I can now truly understand why finishing the Dakar is such a respected achievement. It was brutal, but epic in so many ways. “
Battling the odds
Recovering from a severe injury after a dramatic accident in 2014, Vanessa transitioned to off-road motorbike endurance racing. Her progression through tough events resulted in her groundbreaking achievement at the Africa Eco Race.
“Up until now, the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident,” she says. “But now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose. It makes me feel so alive.”
A triumph over chronic pain
Beyond participating in races, Vanessa now visits schools to inspire children and young people to engage in various sports. As a TEDx and award-winning speaker, she empowers others to realise that anything is possible with determination.
Speaking from Dakar post-race, she shared, “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.” Over 104 hours in the saddle riding, Vanessa emphasises the need for unwavering focus in such races. “You have to be so focused,” she says. “A second of lapse on your focus can mean you get lost, or the rock you don’t see can take you off your bike.”
easySim sponsorship
Navigating challenging terrains across two continents, Vanessa relied on eSIMs from easySim for communication, navigation, and safety. As well as helping Vanessa and her team to provide real-time updates to those following the race, the eSIMs also provided a lifeline in the vast and demanding landscape.
“My focus for the race was racing,” she says. “I didn’t have time to worry about phone connectivity and so easySim was the ideal choice. Effortless set up, plenty of data bundles, and seamless coverage across borders.”
A team effort
Joe Mercer of Desert Rose Racing provided crucial support for Vanessa’s race. Having backed her in previous rallies, Joe brought extensive experience from assisting riders in over 65 rally-raid events.
Vanessa also benefitted from the support of two friends, Anika Bailey and Keri-Anne Thurley, who assisted with nutrition, welfare, and filming for her social channels, as well as providing general psychological support.
Female Power Prevails
Despite skepticism about a woman’s capability to complete the race, Vanessa showed no intention of surrendering despite the physical strain on her body and the hurdles of the competition. Numerous riders experienced crashes on most days, resulting in injuries. By the end, only 25 riders out of 46 completed all stages of the race.
It’s also worth noting that, unlike many sports, the women’s category in this race lacks any differences compared to the men’s. Vanessa faced the identical distance, rode the same-sized bike, and carried the same amount of gear as the male participants – many of whom were at least double her size.
Racing for a purpose
Vanessa also had personal reasons for choosing the Africa Eco Race. Besides the rally’s reputation as one of the toughest races out there, Vanessa was drawn to its ecological and social initiatives. The race supports local communities with programs like Energy of Hope, which provides solar lamps to rural school children. “Over 2,500 lamps have been handed out so far,” Vanessa says. “The rally has funded the planting of over 2,000 trees in the capital of Mauritania as well.”
Vanessa also has a philanthropic angle to her racing pursuits. She is a brand ambassador for Two Wheels for Life, a charity providing healthcare mobility solutions in Africa. “I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing,” she says.
“These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”
Vanessa’s next chapter
Emerging from this monumental challenge, Vanessa now extends her presence to speaking engagements and aims to empower others through her narrative.
“I’ve broken down in tears on stage, I’ve stuttered and had to process the emotions,” she says. “But in my heart, I know it’s worth it. If I can turn my trauma and fight into powerful advice to assist others in their life battles, then it makes what I went through worthwhile – or at least in my head, it helps me process why it had to happen to me.”
For the rest of The EasySim.globalarticle see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Offroad Cracks: Experience the thrilling conclusion of AFRICA ECO RACE 2024. Champions crowned, tributes paid, and extraordinary moments on the legendary Dakar route.
This Sunday, the 14th. January 2024, as the tradition since the founding of the AFRICA ECO RACE, ended the 15th. Edition at Lac Rose in Dakar. A real celebration: This parade of winners and finishers on the podium was organized by the Senegalese Auto Moto Federation, the host organization of this event. The ceremony was preceded by the traditional special test on Lac Rose, a 22 km route from Niokob Beach to the mythical lake, where motorcycles are still in the race, Cars and trucks completed the route.
A last honorable fight, but it surprises every year. In the motorcycle category, all drivers of the AFRICA ECO RACE 2024 decided to honor one of them, the disabled driver Nicola DUTTO. To this end, the bikers followed the Italian and his two guardian angels, who accompanied him throughout the rally so that he could open and win this last sector shown.
A tribute to this extraordinary athlete, who has traveled almost 6,000 km of the route, strapped onto his KTM, equipped with a roll cage that protects his legs in the event of a fall. After the race, the three best drivers of the overall standings, the Italian Jacopo CERRUTI on APRILA, also first in the multi-cylinder race -1000 CC, his compatriot Alessandro BOTTURI, also first veteran, and the Andorran Pol TARRES on Yamaha, magnificent bronze trophies.
Afterwards, winners were rewarded in various categories, including the Swiss Alexandre VAUDAN first in the class under 450 CC, also first in the Acerbis Rookie Rider Challenge on KTM, Patrice CARILLON first in the Motul Xtreme Rider Challenge on KTM and the Italian Giovanni STIGLIANO first in the class over 450 CC CC on HUSQVARNA, the Spaniard Juan PEDRERO 1. in the multi-cylinder over 1000 CC on HARLEY DAVIDSON, not to mention the British Vanessa RUCK, the first female driver on KTM. Finally, all drivers who reached the goal received a bronze medal that symbolized performance to remain in the ranking.
The French Gautier PAULIN and Remi BOULANGER, overall winners, were logically the first to place their SSV APACHE on the podium on four wheels, to receive the two bronze trophies and the two trophies in the category SSV T3 U.
Next followed were the Belgians Pascal FERYN and Kurt KEYSERS, second in the rally and first in the 4 × 4 petrol category on their Toyota, while the Spaniards Carlos VENTO and Carlos RUIZ MORENO also led the CAN AM to victory in T4 in third place. The Czech Tomas TOMECEK was rewarded with his TATRA for his fifth victory in the truck category.
The French Frédéric HENRICY and Eric BERSEY emerged as winners from the SSV EXTREME RACE Challenge on POLARIS, the Dutch Teun STAM and Rene BARGEMAN won in 4 × 4 Diesel on TOYOTA, Moroccan Souad MOUTKADIRI was the first African driver to finish the race with her CAN AM, while the Italians Giulio VERZELETTI and Giuseppe FORTUNA won the category Truck -10000 CC on his MERCEDES.
Finally, the Italians Stefano ROSSI and Jacopo CASINI received the Experimental Vehicle Trophy on a hydrogen-powered NISSAN, while Eric and Grégoire COQUIDE won the OPEN category, also on a NISSAN. Not to forget the honor of racing veteran Yoshimasa SUGAWARA,a legend in the discipline and finisher at the age of 83 driving a vehicle that he built himself. In the classic race, the Belgians Tom and Eric CLAEYS received the winner’s cup in front of their compatriots René DECLERCQ and John DEMEESTER, while the Austrian Peter BRABECK-LEMATHE and the Frenchman Jean Michel GAYTE completed the podium.
For the rest of The Offroad Cracksarticle see here.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Dirthub: Vanessa Ruck makes history as the first British woman to conquer the gruelling 6,000 KM Sahara Race on her KTM 450 Rally. Witness her triumph!
Vanessa Ruck fought to the end finishing 27th overall, showing the male dominated industry that women can do it too
First British female ever to finish one of the world’s toughest endurance races
Facing over 6,000km of brutal African terrain with an attrition rate so high that only 54% of the motorcycle category riders successfully completed
The gruelling Africa Eco Race follows the original Pari-Dakar route in an extreme 13-day motorcycle race over sand dunes in blistering temperatures
Over 104 hours in the saddle riding
46 motorcycles started and only 25 riders completed 100% of all stages
Words & Images: The Girl On A Bike
Vanessa Ruck, a UK based and British motorcycle enthusiast, stepped up to a formidable new challenge for January 2024: the 13-day, 6000 km gruelling Africa Eco Race from Monaco to Dakar, Senegal in Africa following the route of the original Dakar Rally. She successfully completed the extreme endurance event on her KTM 450 Rally Replica motorbike, claiming first place in the women’s motorcycle category, and in doing so became the first British Woman to successfully complete the historical event.
Nicknamed The Girl On A Bike, Vanessa Ruck is renowned within the global motorsport community. Vanessa has shown incredible courage and resilience by recovering from severe injury after a dramatic accident and taking up off-road, motorbike endurance racing. In just a few years, she has progressed through some of the toughest events in the calendar, as her skills and strength has improved, culminating in her successful attempt at this years Africa Eco Race!
Infamous for its difficulty, the intimidating Africa Eco Race was set in Vanessa’s mind as a pinnacle event to attempt to complete on a motorcycle. Completing the event is a huge accomplishment in itself, but to do so in such a male dominated environment, makes this achievement even more remarkable. The Africa Eco Race features some of the harshest terrain in Morocco, Mauritania and Senegal. Making completing this task even more notable, she achieved this while fighting through chronic pain, pain that she lives with and manages every day, since her accident back in 2014.
As one of only 25 of the 46 riders in the Moto category in the 2024 event managing to complete the whole course, Vanessa spent over 103 hours in total on her bike.
Nearly ten years on from her accident Vanessa says “It’s like I’ve reclaimed control – up until now the toughest thing I’ve ever done was fight on following my accident, but now the hardest thing I’ve ever done is something I chose! It makes me feel so ALIVE!!”
Now, as well as taking part in races, she visits schools to inspire young girls and boys alike to take part in different sports. As a TEDx and award-winning speaker she is inspiring others to realise that absolutely anything is possible if you put your mind to it, even with a slightly reconstructed body.
Speaking from Dakar following the race, she said: “I’m absolutely shattered. I don’t think every single muscle in my body, and my brain, have ever been this tired.”
She said: “You have to be so focussed. A second of lapse on your focus can mean you get lost, or the rock you don’t see can take you off your bike.”
While tacking the long gruelling days in the desert alone, Vanessa was supported by a team of three. Mechanically such a race requires considerable support which came in the form of Joe Mercer of Desert Rose Racing. Joe has supported Vanessa in all her previous desert rallies in addition to bring experiences from supporting riders in over 65 rally raid events.
She also had two friends, Anika Bailey and Keri-Anne Thurley to support on nutrition, welfare, filming for her social channels, and general psychological support. Logistically they utilised Vanessa’s Land Rover Bowler Defender to tow the support trailer loaded with tools, spares, 10 spare Michelin tyres and over 35kgs of racing nutrition.
Other competitors described the team with three girls as a breath of energy in the desert, always smiling and happy but with fierce focus to make the finish.
Female power While many doubted a female’s ability to finish, Vanessa showed no signs of giving in, despite her bodies pain and the challenges of the race. Most days saw multiple riders crashing out causing both injuries. Also worth noting that unlike in many sports, the women’s category has no variation to the men’s. Vanessa was tackling the exact same distance, on the same size bike and with the same amount of kit as the guys who are often more than twice her size.
Racing for more than just the thrill Vanessa had personal reasons for choosing the Africa Eco race. Besides the rally’s reputation as one of the toughest races out there, Vanessa was drawn to its ecological and social initiatives. The race supports local communities with programs like Energy of Hope, which provides solar lamps to rural school children. “Over 2 and a half thousand lamps have been handed out so far,” Vanessa stated. The rally has also funded the planting of over 2,000 trees in the capital of Mauritania.
Vanessa also has a philanthropic angle to her racing pursuits. She is a brand ambassador for Two Wheels for Life, a charity providing healthcare mobility solutions in Africa.
“I feel so fortunate to be able to explore the wonders of many parts of Africa while racing. These countries are incredible places to visit, but sadly the health care and transport infrastructure is far from ideal. By working with Two Wheels for Life I have the opportunity to give something back to the people in a part of the world where motorcycles and their effective use literally saves lives.”
While most would be signing off for a few weeks rest after such a race, Vanessa is already on route to The Gambia for a weeks charity work supporting Two Wheels for Life. She’ll be utilising her presenting skills and social media reach to help share the story of the work they do within mobilising healthcare in Africa through the use of motorcycles.
Vanessa is an inspiration to many and we congratulate her on her incredible achievement finishing the Africa Eco Race.
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
As seen in The Bandw: Experience the thrilling conclusion of Africa Eco Race 2024 at Lac Rose, Dakar, honoring exceptional athletes and celebrating victories across categories.
Sunday, January 14, 2024, as tradition dictates since the creation of the AFRICA ECO RACE, the 15th edition concluded at Lac Rose in Dakar.
A true celebration, this parade of winners and finishers on the podium was organized by the Senegalese Auto Moto Federation, the host organization for this event. The ceremony was preceded by the traditional special stage at Lac Rose, a 22 km stretch from Niokob Beach to the mythical lake, where motorcycles, cars, and trucks still in the race completed the circuit. A final honorable battle that, however, surprises every year.
In the Motorcycle category, all the riders of the AFRICA ECO RACE 2024 decided to honor one of their own, the handicapped rider Nicola DUTTO. To do this, the bikers followed the Italian and his two guardian angels who accompanied him throughout the rally, allowing him to open and win this final timed sector. A way to pay tribute to this extraordinary athlete who covered almost 6000 km of the course strapped to his KTM equipped with a roll cage protecting his legs in case of a fall.
After the race, the top three overall riders, Italian Jacopo CERRUTI on APRILA also 1st in Multicylinders -1000 CC, his compatriot Alessandro BOTTURI also 1st Veteran, and Andorran Pol TARRES on YAMAHA, received magnificent bronze trophies. Subsequently, winners in different categories were also rewarded, including Swiss Alexandre VAUDAN 1st in under 450 CC, also 1st in the Acerbis Rookie Rider Challenge on KTM, Patrice CARILLON 1st in the Motul Xtreme Rider Challenge on KTM, Italian Giovanni STIGLIANO 1st in over 450 CC on HUSQVARNA, Spaniard Juan PEDRERO 1st in Multicylinders over 1000 CC on HARLEY DAVIDSON, not forgetting the British Vanessa RUCK, the first female rider on KTM.
Finally, all finishing riders received a bronze medal symbolizing the feat of staying in the rankings. On four wheels, Frenchmen Gautier PAULIN and Remi BOULANGER, overall winners, logically were the first to place their SSV APACHE on the podium to receive the two bronze trophies and the two trophies in the SSV T3 U category.
Next were the Belgians Pascal FERYN and Kurt KEYSERS, 2nd in the Rally and 1st in the 4×4 Petrol category on their TOYOTA, while in 3rd position, Spaniards Carlos VENTO and Carlos RUIZ MORENO also led the CAN AM to victory in T4. Czech Tomas TOMECEK was rewarded for his 5th victory in the truck category driving his TATRA.
Frenchmen Frédéric HENRICY and Eric BERSEY emerged victorious in the SSV EXTREME RACE challenge on POLARIS, Dutchmen Teun STAM and Rene BARGEMAN won in 4×4 Diesel on TOYOTA, Moroccan Souad MOUTKADIRI finished as the first African female rider with her CAN AM, while Italians Giulio VERZELETTI and Giuseppe FORTUNA clinched victory in the Truck -10000 CC category on their MERCEDES.
Finally, Italians Stefano ROSSI and Jacopo CASINI received the Experimental Vehicle trophy on a NISSAN powered by Hydrogen, while Eric and Grégoire COQUIDE won the OPEN category, also on NISSAN. Also, not to forget to honor the race veteran Yoshimasa SUGAWARA, a legend in the discipline and finisher at 83, driving a vehicle he built with his own hands.
In the Classic race, Belgians Tom and Eric CLAEYS were awarded the winners’ trophy ahead of their compatriots René DECLERCQ and John DEMEESTER, while Austrian Peter BRABECKLEMATHE and Frenchman Jean Michel GAYTE completed the podium.
The ceremony at Lac Rose also featured a parade of around fifty vehicles from the auto and motorcycle raid on the podium to present participants with a souvenir medal. The final highlight of the AFRICA ECO RACE 2024 was the group photo of the 160 members of the organizing team and service providers. Like many competitors, all pledged to be present for the 2025 edition!
If you’re new to my page – it’s more than just dirt bike riding, Harleys and racing, I’m on a mission to prove that nothing is impossible if you want it bad enough. See more about my story plus read about my life-changing accident, which started it all.
