No Dakar 2024 for Mirjam Pol

"No Dakar 2024 for me…"

"To get straight to the point; next January I will unfortunately not be able to compete at the fifth edition of the Dakar rally in Saudi Arabia. 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. I remained tired, easily stuffy, easily overstimulated, with unexplained muscle aches, headaches and a whole arsenal of other complaints.

At first, I didn't think this was such a problem, at that time I still thought: 'it will pass and I still have some time left'. And I still believe the first part, but now I'm getting stuck on the second part. Even though I am certainly not one of the worst cases, as I can still manage to go for an appointment, do minor work and even finish a training session. But it's all either one or the other, both-and-and doesn't work. In Dakar you do not have to be 100%, but 110% fit and sharp and at the moment I am simply not. I can compensate part of that fitness with experience, but that won’t work for the sharpness, that sharpness just must be there."

Risk management

"The way I see it, as motorcyclists we are specialized 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 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 so now I'm 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."

So, how to proceed now?

"First of all I will give my recovery the time it needs, then I will try to get fit again. And then somewhere during next year - depending on my recovery - we will make new plans again. Of course, the new aim is Dakar 2025.

It only remains to thank you all for your unconditional support and confidence in me and of course we will keep you informed of all developments.”