The Dakar Rally? It’s not just a race, it’s a brutal, all-out test of grit, endurance, and mental strength. Riders from all corners of the globe throw themselves into the chaos, battling through one of the most savage motorsport events on Earth. We caught up with our sponsored rider and all-round legend, James Hillier to get the real story behind this year’s madness.
Why the Dakar? Why did you choose to enter this race again for 2025?
As a kid, I remember watching the Dakar Rally and being completely fascinated by the challenge it presents. There’s really no other event that compares to it. The Dakar is not just about speed—it’s about endurance, mental strength, and the will to push yourself to your limits. I always knew that I had to return for one more shot at the challenge.
What was different about this year’s rally compared to previous editions?
The terrain was very similar to my experience in 2023, but this time, they ramped up the difficulty with even longer stages. My longest day in the saddle this year was an insane 13 hours!
What were the biggest lessons from your past experiences that you applied this time?
One of the biggest lessons I learned was to bring some extra comfort and support for the long liaison sections, especially when you’re riding on narrow motocross seats for hours. This year, I packed an inflatable air seat, which attached to the saddle and made the long road sections (the longest of which was 520km) far more bearable. I also used a cruise control throttle clamp—small additions like these really helped take the edge off some of those extended rides.
What were your expectations going into the rally?
Honestly, I had no specific expectations other than hoping it would be a bit easier than my last Dakar. In 2023, I competed in the solo class, which meant doing everything myself, from setting up camp to maintaining the bike. This year, I had the luxury of a proper bed and mechanics to look after the bike, so I expected the logistical side of things to be a bit smoother.
Can you take us through a typical day during the rally?
A typical day starts early. The earliest start time was around 5:30 AM, so I’d be up by 4:30. I’d start with a coffee and some porridge to fuel up for the day ahead. After getting into my riding kit, I’d leave the bivouac and head off for the road section—sometimes up to two hours of riding just to reach the start of the stage.
For this ride, I made sure to dress in layers to stay warm—waterproofs, heated vests, and gloves powered by batteries to avoid draining power from the bike. The stage would usually begin around 8:30, and I wouldn’t finish until around 6:30 in the evening. Riding through the dunes in the dark was a crazy experience, but when you’re in the race, you just do what you need to do to get through.
When I finally returned to the bivouac, it was usually late afternoon. I’d debrief with my team on any issues with the bike, take a quick shower, throw on some fresh clothes, and enjoy a big dinner. Afterward, it was time to prep my kit for the next day and get as much rest as possible.
What was the gnarliest stage for you, and why?
The toughest stage for me this year was probably the very first one. Right at the start, I came down with a pretty bad flu, and honestly, I don’t know how I managed to ride through it. Around 290km into a 370km stage, I hit a rock hidden in the sand that I didn’t see, and it threw me off. I broke my nose pretty badly, and because I had been taking aspirin to manage the illness, the bleeding just wouldn’t stop. Unfortunately, I had to retire from the stage, and that was incredibly tough and frustrating to accept.
Any standout moments, either high points or low points?
One of the standout moments was during the early morning liaison rides. There's something special about riding across the desert with good music on and watching the sun rise over the dunes. Those moments of serenity before the chaos of the day is something I’ll always remember.
As for low points, the cold can be unbearable sometimes, especially when you’re riding in the early morning before the sun comes up. But of course, the injury was the biggest low of this year.
How does Dakar compare to the Isle of Man TT in terms of adrenaline and challenge?
Both events are absolutely packed with adrenaline, but in different ways. The TT is fast and intense, with speed playing a huge role in the thrill. But the landscapes and vast sand dunes of Dakar bring a different kind of adrenaline—there's a rawness to it.
In terms of challenge, I’d say Dakar is the bigger test. While the TT runs for two weeks as well, the Dakar is relentless. Every day presents a new challenge. You never really know what’s coming over the next sand dune, whereas the TT course stays pretty consistent once you know it.
One piece of advice for someone wanting to take on Dakar?
Urrrrrr, it’s not easy! Just getting to the start line takes a tremendous amount of hard work, and that’s just the beginning. Preparation is absolutely key—having the right people around you and top-quality kit will make all the difference. But be prepared to push your mind and body to new levels of pain and struggle. That said, it’s all worth it when you cross that finish line. The feeling is indescribable.
We're stoked to back riders like James Hillier—legends who take on the toughest challenges and share a passion for pushing limits and defying the odds. Muc-Off is all in when it comes to supporting athletes who live for the thrill of the ride. We’re all about innovation, speed, and the grind—helping riders like James smash through barriers and leave it all on the track. No matter how crazy the challenge, we’ve got their backs, because that’s what Muc-Off is all about.
Follow James Hillier:
Instagram: @jameshillier37
YouTube: @jameshillierracing
