“I’ve been dreaming of the Dakar since I was a kid”

If you're wondering where Gwen Backx's attraction to motorcycling comes from, the answer can be found in the Dakar historical guide: his father, René Backx, took part in the race in 2005 and 2007! Gwen started motorcycling at the age of 5, then moved on to enduro and rally-raid as an adult. After a few outings with his father, he quickly got into some competitions. Present in the caravan of the 2014 Africa Eco Race, the geothermal specialist then had to put his passion on hold to take care of his family. Back on the handlebars a few years ago, he got his ticket for the Dakar on the 2022 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. He should have taken part in the 2023 edition, but a crash on the Rallye du Maroc forced him to postpone his entry until 2024. At the bivouac, he will be with his brother-in-law Joris Van Dyck, with whom he has already competed on a number of occasions. We told you: for Gwen, motorcycling is a family affair!

“I've been dreaming of the Dakar since I was a kid because my father took part twice. I'm a bit stressed because I think it will be a tough race, but I'm really looking forward to it! With Joris, each one does his own race but it’s great to be together on it and share our passion. I just want to finish it. It doesn't matter to me whether I'm fortieth, seventieth or eightieth: the aim is to finish the race and see what it will bring.''