At the conclusion of the 2020 edition of the Dakar rally, two South African women succeeded in finishing the race in the top 100.
Just finishing is a success in itself, but doing it in such tremendous style and class is simply astonishing. For Kirsten Landman, however, her first attempt at tackling the Dakar was a very sweet experience.
Landman finished the race in 55th place overall, beating and overcoming the various challenges the 8000km-long race dished up.
Speaking about her experience, Landman says: "I knew that I had to be on the ball with my navigation. I knew that I had to pick lines really well. And I don’t think I could have raced a better race.”
READ: #Dakar2020 | These South African women conquered the world’s toughest race
These words could not ring any more true, because Landman had a tough road to Dakar. She let it slip that it wasn't easy getting in the frame of mind for the Dakar and that it took her two years to prepare for it. An integral part of her preparation was Joey Evans.
Evans participated in the Dakar three years ago, but his motivation is more than just skin deep. Why? Because Evans is partially disabled and completed that year's event successfully.
Landman drew inspiration from this and repeated Evans' feat by crossing the finish line on her KTM.
Ben Karpinski conducted an interview with Landman. See below: