“The Dakar inspires me to continually push my limits”
Crew facts
- Jie Yang will be making his second appearance in the Mission 1000 class at Dakar 2026, for vehicles powered by alternative energies. The Chinese biker will once again be representing the Segway Team alongside fellow compatriot Yi Guanghui and Argentina's Benjamin Pascual.
- Jie got into motorsport thanks to his older brother. He discovered offroad motorcycle racing at the age of nine and fell in love with it. After graduating from junior high school in 2006, he decided to pursue a career in motocross.
- The 35-year-old turned pro in 2008 and began participating in domestic and Asian National Cup events. He was Chinese motocross champion in 2012, the year which also saw him claim fifth place at the prestigious Taklimakan Rally. He also came seventh at the Asian motocross championship in 2011.
Ambition
J.Y.: “Dakar 2025 felt like stepping into a different realm of racing. It opened up a new window of opportunity that gave me a strong sense of determination. The experience provided a deeper understanding of the rally and improved my ability to make smart decisions based on GPS-tracked road conditions. Thanks to the experience we gained last year, the 2026 Segway bike has undergone significant changes, notably to the rear suspension and chassis. These upgrades have made it around 18 kilos lighter, while the handling has become more agile and the range has been improved. The Dakar inspires me to continually push my limits and take bold risks; it is one of the most challenging motorsport events in the world. It’s essential to study the Dakar before it starts, and safety should be the top priority. My objective is to conquer my own personal Mount Everest and reach the summit of Mission 1000!"
