Rosa Romero is a Spanish rally raid navigator and former motorcycle racer who has competed in eleven Dakar Rallies across two different disciplines, bringing decades of desert racing experience to one of motorsport’s most punishing events.

EARLY YEARS

Born March 19, 1969, in Barcelona, Rosa always dreamed of making big motorcycle trips but didn’t buy her first trail bike—a Merlin Nómada 600—until she was 18. A telecommunications technical engineer by training, she built a career in industry before turning her attention to off-road racing. She made her rally debut in 2010, relatively late compared to many competitors, but what she lacked in early start time she made up for in determination.

OTHER INTERESTS

Beyond racing, Rosa manages the Nani Roma Foundation and dedicates considerable time to her three children: Abril, Júlia, and a third whose name has been kept private. She’s married to two-time Dakar winner Nani Roma, who claimed victory on a motorcycle in 2004 and in cars in 2014. Their household is essentially a Dakar dynasty, with both partners intimately understanding the physical and mental toll of the world’s toughest rally.

EARLY SUCCESS

Rosa competed in her first Dakar Rally in 2012 on a motorcycle, marking the beginning of a long relationship with the event. She returned in 2014, continuing to build experience in the grueling two-wheeled category. Her early attempts were about learning the craft—navigation, endurance, mechanical sympathy—in conditions that break even the most seasoned riders. In 2015, she finished in 52nd place, her first completed Dakar on a bike. The following year, she improved to 67th place and secured second place among female competitors. By 2017, racing for Himoinsa Dakar Team on a KTM 450 Rally, she finished 80th overall—again second among women—proving her consistency in one of motorsport’s most unforgiving environments.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2012: Competed in first Dakar Rally on motorcycle.
• 2014: Returned to Dakar Rally, motorcycle category.
• 2015: Finished Dakar Rally in 52nd place overall, motorcycle category.
• 2016: Finished Dakar Rally 67th overall, 2nd among female competitors, motorcycle category.
• 2017: Finished Dakar Rally 80th overall, 2nd among female competitors, motorcycle category with Himoinsa Racing Team; also competed in Baja España Aragón.
• 2018: Entered Dakar Rally on KTM 450 EXC with Himoinsa Racing Team but retired.
• 2021: Finished Dakar Rally in 3rd place, competing in side-by-side category with X-raid.
• 2025: Finished 2nd at Baja Morocco as navigator with driver Maria Gameiro.
• 2026: Completed Dakar Rally in 68th place overall and 42nd in Ultimate category as navigator for Maria Gameiro in MINI JCW Rally 3.0d; part of X-raid’s all-female crew.

INSPIRATIONS

Information about Rosa’s specific inspirations is not available in the research provided.

REPUTATION

Rosa is regarded as a reference in the motorcycle world and brings extensive Dakar experience across multiple categories—motorcycles, side-by-sides, and now cars. Her transition from rider to navigator demonstrates versatility and deep rally knowledge. During the 2026 Dakar, she and driver Maria Gameiro finished Stage 11 between Riyadh and Wadi ad-Dawasir without a working clutch, managing to limp the MINI JCW into the bivouac—a testament to both grit and problem-solving under pressure. The duo’s partnership, which began at the Morocco Desert Challenge, has been described as strong teamwork built through a busy race and testing schedule. Rosa’s ability to contribute navigation expertise gained from years on two wheels makes her a valuable asset in the co-driver’s seat, and her calm professionalism has earned respect within the X-raid team and the broader rally raid community.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

Information about Rosa’s specific future goals or plans beyond the 2026 Dakar Rally is not available in the research provided.

REFERENCES

Meet the Women Striving for Success at the 2026 Dakar Rally | FIA
Rosa Romero Profile – Bio, News, High-Res Photos & High Quality
Rosa Romero – X-raid Team
Romero Rosa | eWRC-results.com
Female power as part of the X-raid DNA – X-raid Team
MDC 2025: Maria Luís Gameiro pairs up with Rosa Romero
Dakar Mag – Stage 11
Fiúza makes Dakar history – PORTUGAL DECODED
Dakar 2018: Competitor Profile – Rosa Romero Font – Motorcycle Life
Profile of NANI ROMA – FORD M-SPORT – Dakar
Women of the Dakar Rally 2016 – Horsepower & Heels
X-raid Dakar Line-up 2026: “No Limits” – Back to the top of the world’s toughest rally
Survivors – Dakar