“Without preventive cancer screening, I wouldn’t be here anymore”
معلومات عن الطاقم
K.V.
- Katerina Vanova grew up in a family deeply connected to motorsport. Her father was part of the team that built the Liaz truck for Jiri Moskal in the 1980s (two Dakar podiums in 1987 and 1988). For several years, she was involved with a Czech team that used motorsport as a therapist, and she has attended the Dakar twice as part of the implementation team.
- After going through cancer, she decided not to wait any longer and to fulfil her dreams. In 2026, together with her husband Petr Vana, they will be the first married Czech couple to compete in the Dakar Classic, with a 1990 Toyota 4Runner they rebuilt themselves.
- A movement therapist, currently studying physiotherapy and ergotherapy, Katerina is not only physically and mentally strong. She has also faced extraordinarily difficult life challenges: two tumors, nine operations, and a year of chemotherapy. She is a survivor, and this strength is what lies behind her participation.
- The Czech couple takes part in various events alongside Fuck Cancer, an organization that supports people with cancer and their loved ones by offering real, accessible help when it is needed most. Katerina and Petr will drive for the organization, raising awareness about prevention and early diagnosis and work to challenge the stigma that still surrounds cancer.
P.V.
- Petr Vana works in administration at Mercedes-Benz and has spent over 15 years in the automotive industry, giving him a deep understanding of cars. He truly enjoyed building the Dakar Classic vehicle with his wife Katerina Vanova. They are the first Czech married couple to compete.
- Petr may be better on two wheels than on four, but don’t be mistaken, we’re not talking about bikes, but bicycles. An ultra-sporty Czech athlete, he competes at a high level in cyclocross, including participation in international races. But in January, the engine won’t come his legs, but the one of a 1990 Toyota 4Runner!
- The vehicle has already competed in Dakar in the past as a journalist’s vehicle. The design was created by their friend Andrea Ohlson, under the pseudonym Red Andy Art, whose work is strongly influenced by Arabic culture. The livery was also conceived in the spirit of the Gold Motorsport Team.
- The Czech couple participates for Fuck Cancer, a Czech patient organization that supports people with cancer and their loved ones by offering real, accessible help when they need it most. They raise awareness about prevention and early diagnosis, and works to challenge the stigma that still surrounds cancer.
طموح
K.V.: “We’re here to express support for Fuck Cancer, an organization helping young people with cancer and encouraging people to go for prevention. I personally had two tumours. I went through nine operations and chemotherapy for a year, even though I had no symptoms and I was a top athlete, living healthy. If I didn’t go for prevention, I wouldn’t be here anymore. It is an honour to carry this logo as a symbol of support and hope for everyone who is fighting this. We stand by our Heroes with emotional, practical, and financial support, building a community where no one faces the illness alone. Because cancer doesn’t have to be the finish line, it can be the start of a new journey filled with strength, hope, and the drive to live fully. Our goal is to reach the finish for Fuck Cancer and all those who are still fighting. It’s our first experience, and our car is not a racing formula. We built it ourselves, and we didn’t have so much time to tune it to perfection. I must take into account my health. Even though I’m in very good physical condition, we have to think about this too. I trust my husband. He is not only a great mechanic, but also a partner I can rely on 100%. Victory will be reaching Yanbu without any health problems, with the car intact, and not divorced! Humility is always in place. It’s our honeymoon.”
P.V.: “I am practically new to motorsport, except for some small meetings and testing a tractor for circuit races, practically nothing. I almost only followed it passively, watching F1 races, rally competitions, and of course Dakar. I have been racing all my life, but in other disciplines; my passion is cycling, mainly cyclocross. But when the opportunity to participate arose thanks to my wife Katerina, I took it! It’s mainly an adventure, a support race for Fuck Cancer, and a test of our marriage. A test of how far we are able to go together!”
