Two brothers from Herefordshire have made motorsport history by becoming the first British siblings to complete the Dakar Rally, one of the world’s toughest endurance races.
Craig and Carl Searles from Pembridge rode their motorcycles across the 8,000 kilometre, 4,970 mile course in Saudi Arabia, finishing the event after nearly two weeks of punishing desert conditions.
The rally ran from 3 January to 17 January and sent competitors across vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky tracks, mud and dry river beds. Riders and drivers took part in several categories including motorcycles, cars, trucks and quad bikes, covering thousands of miles in extreme heat and isolation.
The brothers prepared for the challenge with an intensive three year training programme, combining fitness work such as running and cycling with riding practice to build stamina for the long days in the saddle.
“To become the first brothers from the UK who have done it and to be side by side is fantastic, I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved,” they told BBC Hereford and Worcester.
Photographs from the finish show the pair in full motorcycle gear and purple helmets, cheering beside their bikes in the desert, surrounded by rally banners and officials. In another image they are pictured holding the Union Jack and wearing medals after completing the event.
Describing the scale of the challenge, the brothers said: “In total, it’s like riding from London to China in two weeks. One of the longest days we had was 981km (609.6m), we sat on the bike for about 15 hours a day.
“It’s not just the mental preparation but physically we’ve been on a programme for three years, three times a week whether that’s running, cycling or any exercise that you do will prepare you for the Dakar Rally.”
They also spoke about the relentless sand sections they encountered earlier in the race.
“In Abu Dhabi there were sand that went on for days, we didn’t touch gravel or anything the sand dunes, in comparison would be like the Brecon Beacons, a wall of sand as you ride towards it and you get up to the top of them then you’re up there for four hours.”
Crossing the finish line together was an emotional moment after weeks of pressure and physical strain.
“The first one was the relief of getting it done, it was a long journey but I’m really proud of what we’ve achieved as brothers,” they said.
Their completion of the rally marks a milestone for British motorsport and adds a rare family chapter to the storied history of the Dakar, an event widely regarded as one of the most demanding races on the planet.
