Julien Dalbec: The Saône-et-Loire Native Heading for an Incredible Dakar!
On January 3, 2025, Julien Dalbec, a motorcycle enthusiast from Buxy, Saône-et-Loire, will embark on his second adventure in the legendary Dakar Rally. This time, the goal is clear: cross the finish line and capture the journey through a film to share this extraordinary experience. From physical preparation to mechanical challenges and personal stakes, this is far from a walk in the park. Let’s dive into the world of this determined rider who takes on extreme conditions with his bike and his dreams in mind.
A Childhood Dream Come True
Julien Dalbec is the epitome of a dedicated motorcyclist, having grown up dreaming in front of televised images of the Dakar Rally. From the age of six, he stayed up to watch the world’s toughest race. Now 35, he’s a competitor himself, determined to climb the ranks. Last year, he finished 38th, and this time, he aims to break into the top 30.
“I’ve always wanted to take part in this rally; it’s a childhood dream,” he shares. Though the route is still grueling, Julien keeps things in perspective. Even though the conditions have changed since the Dakar’s days in Africa, the physical and mental challenge remains. “It’s still the world’s hardest race; maturity is key to avoid mishaps,” he explains.
The Bike: A $35,000 Workhorse
To compete in this rally, you need a solid machine capable of enduring harsh terrains and extreme temperatures. Julien rides a bike valued between €30,000 and €35,000. It’s a significant investment, but necessary to complete the rally with minimal damage. His bike competes in the Rally 2 category, meant for amateur riders. Despite this, Julien prepares diligently to excel in every stage, spending 10 to 12 hours a day on his bike during the event.
A Challenge Both Physical and Mental
The Dakar Rally is more than just about the bike. Julien had to train intensively to keep up with the pace. His regimen includes running, road cycling, and even trail running to build cardio. But that’s not all; he also focuses on strength training to stay resilient on his bike during hours of riding.
Yet, even with rigorous preparation, nothing is ever certain. The weeks leading up to the event were marked by carpal tunnel surgery, forcing Julien to rest and refrain from riding. “I feel pretty good; I’m eager to get started,” he says before heading to Saudi Arabia, the host country of the Dakar 2025.
Capturing the Dakar Experience on Film
This year, Julien isn’t just aiming to compete; he wants to share his journey by creating a film. Having already documented his participation in the Moroccan Rally, he now aims to elevate his adventure by capturing the Dakar on film. His ambitious project involves bringing along a media team to document the key moments and, most importantly, “make people experience the Dakar from the inside.” Julien dreams of premiering his film in a theater in Chalon-sur-Saône before sharing it on social media.
The challenge is immense, particularly in terms of the budget required to fund this cinematic endeavor. “It’s the big challenge this year,” he acknowledges. But Julien is nothing if not determined. “We’re going to do our best; we’re here to capture a great moment.”
