Women Motorcyclists

Off-road Racing's Toughest Women
Jennifer Rails (April 2010)

Listed below are some very talented and daring women whose names you may not have heard.  These are remarkable motorcyclists, ATV riders, and rally drivers who have all made significant accomplishments and contributions to off-road racing.  They participate various off-road competitions, including the toughest off-road race of them all - the Dakar Rally.

Check them out here, and check out their websites for additional information.

Annie Seel – Annie Seel raced the 2002 Dakar and completed the race with a broken hand.  In 2007 she finished a respectable 94th overall, even with a bit mechanical trouble.  In 2008 she will ride a KTM 525 and hopes to finish well in the toughest race on earth.  An avid motorcycle enthusiast since the age of 16, she has participated in countless rallies around the world including the Baja 1000.  Check out her website and see her many accomplishments.

Andrea Mayer – An accomplished motorcyclist and rally car driver, Andrea has competed in the 2002 Dakar on a BMW and grabbed an astounding 23rd overall.  Here are some links with even more interesting information about this talented racer.

Mitsubishi 04 Team

Hechlingen, June 2001

Andrea Mayer' Touring Company

Emmanuelle Jannon – This 29 year old Christian Dior website manager has been riding since the age of 5. At one point she was the only woman that is participating in the quad category in the Dakar event and her goal was to become the first woman to complete the Dakar on a quad. Hopefully she will continue to participate in Dakar in years to come.
Emmanuelle Jannon - Dakar 2006  

Ludivine Puy –What a cool name, and an accomplished enduro racer in her native country of France.  This French Policewoman is only 22 years old and was part of the Euromaster team in the Dakar Rally. Unfortunately during one year of the Dakar, she had a very bad crash and broke her leg and pelvis while trying to avoid hitting a village child.

Maryline Lamcelin and Marie-Christine Paré – These two women made up the first ever Canadian Bombardier Women Team in 2002. Each on their own ATV, they attempted the Dakar.

Patsy Quick – Another true off-road racer, 2006 was her year at the Dakar. After three previous attempts at the Dakar with no success, Patsy became the first British woman to finish the Dakar. She has a team called Team Desert Rose.

Maria Sandell – Became the first woman to complete the Dakar Rally on a motorcycle in 2002.

Patricia Watson-Miller – A member of the Rally Raid UK, Patricia finished the 2006 Dakar in 84th place. She is an experienced motorcyclist and has competed in a large variety of enduros.