Laia Sanz won Day 1 of 2 in FIM World Trials GP Women in Italy at the weekend, a remarkable feat given the outstanding success the Spanish rider/driver has achieved on bike and in Rally. Longing to take part in her grass-roots discipline of Trials, Laia certainly proved her wealth of expertise, technique and skill-set are second to none, finishing Round One tied 1st equal with reigning Women Trial World Champion Emma Bristow.
Returning to founding passion of Trials, Laia pushed the goal-posts out even further on what an athlete can achieve in terms of Motorsport career. Having already won 13 FIM World Trial GP Women Championships and 10 Women Trial European Championships before venturing into the world of racing The Dakar Rally, Laia resonates true integrity on how she wants to develop as a rider.
Laia: ‘I have always loved trial and to have the possibility to return with GASGAS it’s just perfect. Taking the win on Day 1 was really a surprise for me. I made some mistakes and I’m still not 100% fit but I’m happy with the result. It couldn’t be better’.
If evolvement of an athlete aligns with opportunities that are presented along the way, Laia sets precedent that the journey to end results keeps passion alive. No doubt, riding trials lets the Spanish rider get back in touch with early training years on how to navigate a bike across most difficult terrain- a skill she has put to the test across number of Motorsport disciplines.
The decision to compete in The Dakar Rally, after achieving multiple wins in World Trials was deliberate action to push Laia’s career along new pathway. Completing 12 Stages of The Dakar, covering enormous distances at speed, remains far cry from carefully executed technique of trails. And that is exact reason why Laia entered Rally. #1 to test true potential on completing the world’s most grueling Rally in Bike category. #2 to test her own limits as woman competitor on level playing field against males. #3 to race 11 consecutive Dakar’s earning highest accolade of ‘Legend’ status, achieved by few.
Pushing boundaries even further, Laia gained selection to race 2021 Extreme E Series, partnered with Carlos Sainz under Acciona Sainz XE Team. Having completed Rounds 1 and 2, Laia has taken on board new set of parameters to achieve top results behind the wheel of the Series Odyssey 21 car.
Not fazed by racing a new Championship, across diverse terrain from sand, to gravel, to dirt to ice, Laia puts the goals in perspective. Laia: ‘I couldn’t be more thankful for everything I’ve learnt these days. For the help and precious affection from Carlos Sainz, the affection you always give me on social media, and from all the fans’.
All of which proves Laia Sanz is one remarkable athlete, willing to push her racing career limits into the unknown, at present and for the future.
Header Photo: Laia Sanz FIM World Trial GP Women Championship Round One, Italy.
Words: Sharon Cox.
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