“Every little detail is important”
RIDER FACTS
- Zakeer Yakefu is back for his fifth Dakar in the bikes in 2025, having missed the 2024 edition due to budget constraints. The talented 36-year-old has successfully finished the rally in his four appearances to date and set a new Chinese record in the bikes (which still stands) by coming 33rd at Dakar 2021.
- Zakeer traces his love of offroad racing to his childhood, when he came across a battered old motorbike in his parents' garage and took it for a spin around the local desert tracks. He later tuned the bike up himself and began starring in local races.
- His home region of Xinjiang, in northwest China, is an offroad paradise, boasting an endless expanse of deserts and mountains. It was the perfect place for young Zakeer to hone his skills growing up. In 2010, aged just 22, he finished 2nd at the iconic Taklimakan Rally.
- In 2023, Zakeer helped to produce a TV show based on his sporting experiences, in an effort to inspire the next generation of Chinese offroad bikers.
2025 AMBITIONS
Z.Y.: “Last year it was really hard to find the budget to race Dakar, so I skipped it. But this year I found the money and I don't want to miss it anymore! I did some local races in China in 2024, but my main goal has been building towards Dakar 2025. I'm really excited to be coming back and I can't wait to enjoy the 48h Chrono stage, it looks quite interesting. There's no doubt the Dakar is getting harder. Teams and riders are in better shape every year. The level is always going up, but I feel confident about my riding. I think I can achieve a Top 40, like I did a few years ago. Every little detail is important if you want to reach the finish line with a good result."
