“Ride within my limits but freer in my head”
En resumen
- At 42 years old, Neil Hawker is a proud family man living in Wales with his partner Sarah and their one-year-old daughter, Mia. He also has a 16-year-old daughter who is now studying in college
- After leaving the British Army in 2013 after 13 years’ service, Neil built a life around his passion for motorcycling. He works as a coach at BMW Off Road Skills, the renowned training school run by ten-time Dakar competitor Simon Pavey, where he helps riders develop the skills and mindset needed for off-road adventure.
- Alongside this, Neil serves as a professional firefighter in his local community and is also the manager of the British Enduro Championship on behalf of the UK motorcycle federation – a demanding mix that shows his deep commitment to both service and the sport.
- Neil has been riding motorcycles since the age of seven and continues to compete regularly in trials and enduro events. He made his Dakar debut in 2020, but a crash on Day 5 left him with a concussion and a broken arm – though he still managed to ride to the end of the stage before being forced to withdraw.
- Undeterred, he returned in 2021, finishing 6th in the Original by Motul class and 37th overall, achieving what he calls one of the proudest moments of his life.
- For 2026, Neil will once again take on the ultimate challenge in the Original by Motul class, this time aboard one of the 50 limited-edition Honda Rally bikes built by Honda HRC and Red Moto in Italy – determined to push himself further and continue the adventure that defines him.
Ambición
“I suppose I’m coming back for two reasons. First because although my 2021 Dakar was an amazing experience it was right in the middle of the covid epidemic and that inevitably changed the atmosphere of the rally. People kept their distance a bit and just the fact of everybody wearing a mask impacted on how we interacted. So, I want to go back and fully experience the spirit of the Dakar, the camaraderie and the shared moments that make the rally so special. The other reason for going back is to be able to ride to my full potential. After my 2020 DNF, my 2021 Dakar was all about getting to the finish line and to do that I rode very cautiously. Now I want to return and have fun on the bike. I will still ride within my limits but freer in my head. The Dakar is always something of a lottery but if all the planets align an Original by Motul podium isn’t out of the question.”
