Kirsten Landman

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February 1, 2020

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• FULL BIO: Kirsten Landman

   

  Kirsten Landman is a pioneering South African off-road and hard-enduro rider who made history as the first African woman to complete the Dakar Rally and has broken numerous barriers in extreme motorsports competitions worldwide.

  EARLY YEARS

  Born on May 8, 1991, in South Africa, Kirsten developed a passion for motorcycles at age 8 when her father introduced her to the sport. Growing up as a self-described tomboy on a large smallholding with a massive garden, she was the only biker in her family. Her parents actively encouraged her interest, with her father regularly taking her to the track on weekends, which eventually evolved from a hobby into a professional career beginning at age 22.

  EARLY SUCCESS

  Landman’s racing journey began after her father rewarded her with her first motorcycle for qualifying for a swimming team. In 2014, she made history by becoming the first woman to finish the Bronze Class in Redbull Romaniacs, placing 47th overall out of 160 riders. The following year, she became the first woman to finish the Gold Class at Redbull Sea to Sky, finishing 56th overall. By 2016, her accomplishments included becoming the first female to finish the expert class in King of the Hill and to complete Redbull Romaniacs in the Silver Class, establishing herself as a formidable competitor in the male-dominated sport of hard enduro.

  NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

  • 2014: First woman to finish Bronze Class at Redbull Romaniacs, ranking 47th overall.
  • 2015: First woman in history to finish Gold Class at Redbull Sea to Sky, placing 56th overall.
  • 2016: First woman to finish the expert class at King of the Hill.
  • 2016: First female to finish Redbull Romaniacs in Silver Class, placing 48th overall.
  • 2016: First woman in the 49-year history to finish Roof of Africa in Gold class, completely unassisted.
  • 2017: South African Overall Silver Class National Champion in a male-dominated class.
  • 2020: First African woman to complete the Dakar Rally, finishing 55th overall and 3rd among female competitors.
  • 2023: Third woman in Dakar history to finish the Original by Motul class, competing completely unassisted.
  • 2024: Won the Women’s Hard Enduro Performance Award at Sea To Sky in the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship.

  REPUTATION

  Kirsten is celebrated as a groundbreaking figure in motorsports, particularly in hard enduro and rally racing. Her reputation is built on historic firsts in some of the world’s most challenging races including Red Bull Romaniacs, Red Bull Sea to Sky, and the prestigious Dakar Rally. Her 2020 achievement as the first African woman to complete the Dakar Rally solidified her status as a pioneer, while her unassisted completion of the 2023 Dakar in the Original By Motul class further demonstrated her exceptional skill and determination. Recognition through awards such as the Women’s Hard Enduro Performance Award at Sea To Sky reflects the respect she has earned in the motorsports community.

  FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

  After overcoming a pulmonary embolism in 2023, Landman is focused on returning to the Dakar Rally in 2025, specifically in the challenging Original by Motul category where competitors race without team assistance. She is actively seeking sponsorship to support this campaign, driven not only by personal ambition but also by her mission to inspire young girls to pursue careers in male-dominated motorsports. Her long-term vision extends beyond racing to creating a lasting impact on the sport by breaking barriers for future female competitors.

  References:

  International Women’s Day 2021: The Interview with Kirsten Landman
  About Kirsten Landman
  Kirsten Landman: Inspiring Adventurer
  Kirsten Landman Became First Woman in Africa to Finish Dakar Rally on Bike
  Meet Kirsten Landman, The Iron Woman Of Enduro Racing