First woman from Africa to ever have finished the Dakar on a motorcycle

In January, Kirsten Landman was the first woman from Africa and third woman overall to ever have finished the Dakar on a motorcycle and Ryobi was there all the way. A s consumer confidence is at its lowest level since the end of 2017, and house sales are tracking more than 6% below what they were in 2015, South Africans are opting for home improvement tactics, rather than attempting to sell in an underperforming property market. This explains why Massmart reported a 31.7% decline in headline earnings at the start of the year, while maintaining strong market share across durable goods categories including; small and large domestic appliances, hi-tech and most DIY and hardware categories. Coupled with the emergence of influencers there is a renewed interest in a ‘fixer-upper’ home mentality. Interestingly, ‘building’ retailers report that women are initiating 80% of home improvement projects and likely to spend 50% in these environments than their male counterparts. Based on these trends and insights, Ryobi – the ‘Power Tools That Won’t Quit’ brand, partnered with athlete, Kirsten Landman who epitomises the ‘won’t quit’ mentality. Landman is the first African female to complete The Dakar Rally’s motorbike classification. She survived a life-threatening injury a few years ago where she was catapulted off her bike, ruptured her spleen, and eventually had to learn how to walk again. This year’s Dakar Rally took place in Saudi Arabia from 5 to 17 January 2020.

Growing up as a tomboy and always wanting to keep up with the boys, extreme sports and motorsports was always destined as a lifestyle choice for Kirsten. So, being brought up in a motorcycle family the bug bit at a very young age. Riding and racing are Kirsten’s passion and has become a lifestyle for her. The challenge of being a female rider competing against the boys in the tough terrains that they ride in is what she thrives on. Each ride, race or training session she accomplishes feels like an achievement on its own, every time.

Going back into the off-road for the 2018 season to build her confidence in the high-speed racing Kirsten has jumped onboard KTM’s 250 XCF, suited for the high speeds and crosscountry racing.

Kirsten had set her sights on the Dakar Rally. Destined to make history Kirsten has earned a name for herself worldwide in the hard enduro scene. At the age of 26 years old, having competed in the hard enduro world series and has become the first female to finish races such as Redbull Romaniacs, Redbull Sea to Sky, Redbull Megawatt 111, Redbull Braveman and the Roof of Africa.

Kirsten is now the first woman from Africa and third woman overall to ever have finished the Dakar on a motorcycle. On 17 January 2020 she officially finished the Dakar Rally in 55th place.