Mayarathika

Dakar Rally 1979 Writing about the Dakar women of 2021 led me into a rabbit hole into the world of Dakar history. I was simply curious to find out who the pioneer of this revolution was and who followed their footsteps. After all, the Dakar Rally simply is a test of grit with a love of the wilderness along with no gender discrimination or bias. Martine de Cortance Marie Ertaud Women have always been up to the challenge, even though their contribution is not highlighted enough. The first edition of the Dakar rally, (then known as the Dakar-Paris Rally) began in 1978 and women began participating from the very next year in 1979. That year was also hailed as the most successful edition in female participation in bikes with 7 brave women, from a total of 90 participants, decided to cross the desert on a motorcycle. The first seven women, all French, were: Martine de Cortanze, Marie Ertaud, Pascale Gueurie, Christine Martin-Lefort, Corinne Koppenhague, Martine Rénier and Marido. Of these

It has been almost a month since the Dakar Rally of 2021 began and a fortnight since it ended. The truth is that I miss it already. The excitement, the nail biting moments and the solidarity of the enduro sports and more. Hence, this is my attempt to shine a little light into the world's toughest rally till date. The Dakar Rally has been fascinating me for nearly a decade now. The fascination was pure simple - the relationship between the ride and rider was the sole focus in this endurance masterpiece of the rally world. In the recent years, my interest has been piqued by the home grown talent that has entered the gruelling race. From Aravind KP in the Sherco Racing company and CS Santosh sponsored by the Hero MotoCorp teams, Indians are entering the race one by one. This year even witnessed Harith Noah become the first Indian to complete in the top 20 as the cap of first to complete Dakar was taken by Santosh in 2018.   #44 Sanz Laia (esp), Gas Gas, Gas Gas Factory Team, Moto, Bik