Dakar Rally: Neels Theric, the motorcyclist from Aix, and his father share the secrets of their incredible adventure

The Dakar Rally is much more than just a race; it is a true test of endurance, resilience, and preparation. Neels Theric, a motorcyclist from Aix-en-Provence, experienced this unique adventure alongside his father, Daniel. Together, they faced the challenges of this legendary rally, blending family passion and sportiness. This narrative explores their adventure, their preparations, and the secrets that make this passage through Dakar so special.

At just 27 years old, Neels made a mark during his participations, particularly in 2023 and 2024, where he demonstrated talent and tenacity. Although his father did not finish all his past races, he remained an unwavering support throughout this adventure. Their return from Saudi Arabia last January left memories etched in their minds, making this experience even richer.

A Family Story

For the Theric family, Dakar is above all a family affair. Daniel, the father, participated in the rally in 1994, 1996, and 1999, without ever seeing the finish line. This did not discourage him; rather, it strengthened his desire to pass this passion on to his son. Neels had the opportunity to discover this world from a very young age, which greatly influenced his sporting journey. As a rider, he learned to benefit from his father's mistakes and knowledge, making their duo an inseparable team on the Dakar tracks.

The relationship between father and son in this demanding environment created a unique dynamic. Daniel is not just a parent on the side of the road; he actively participates in the logistics and support of his family, adding an emotional dimension to this adventure. Thanks to such a strong bond, both are able to overcome the obstacles that arise on their path, whether mechanical or psychological.

Physical and Mental Preparation

Preparing for such a demanding race as Dakar requires both physical and mental preparation. Neels and Daniel make it a point to address every aspect of their training. They know that every detail counts, whether it is the mechanics of the bike, their physical condition, or stress management. With the help of his mechanic Julien, Neels has fine-tuned his machine to meet the demands of the rally.

Physical condition is essential to face extreme temperatures and difficult terrain. Neels follows a rigorous training program, combining endurance, strength, and flexibility. Every morning, he engages in long runs to acclimate his body to prolonged effort. At the same time, he adopts a balanced diet, an aspect often neglected by many competitors.

Mental preparation is equally crucial. Before each race, Neels practices visualization and concentration exercises. He knows that the psychological aspect can make the difference in moments of tension. This technique has proven effective, notably during critical stages of the last Dakar. His ability to remain calm in the face of the unexpected is not a matter of chance but the result of hard work.

The Challenges of the Course

Each edition of Dakar presents its own challenges. In 2023 and 2024, Neels faced varied terrains, unpredictable weather conditions, and the inherent pressure of such competitions. An integral part of the experience is managing these unforeseen events with strategy.

The route taken in the last editions included imposing dunes, steep mountains, and desert regions. Neels quickly learned that navigating at these levels of difficulty requires not only riding skills but also a good knowledge of the routes. Each stage is a real puzzle to solve, with variations in elevation and different types of soil requiring constant adjustments in driving.

Technological aids are vital, but they cannot replace experience. That is why the Theric duo prioritizes the preparation of road books and clear notes on the paths taken. Daniel, as an assistant, played a key role in this logistics, bringing his unwavering expertise.

The navigation techniques are one of the most crucial aspects of Dakar. Orienting oneself in vast and often identical landscapes can quickly become a nightmare. Neels shares tips he has learned over the years. The use of modern navigation tools combined with their instinct and experience provides a perfect balance.

Every morning before departure, they review the data from the previous day, establishing a constant dialogue about the needs and adjustments that need to be made on the bike. This open communication is a factor of success. Beyond mechanics, it is also the mindset that conditions performance. Each feedback on the route is an opportunity to improve future strategies.

Neels has also integrated a specific system to avoid navigation errors. This involves regular checks and updates to the route based on the day’s conditions. This method has allowed them to avoid several deadly traps during the rally.

The Camaraderie on the Tracks

Dakar is not just a competition; it is also an opportunity to forge lasting friendships with other riders. Despite the rivalry on the tracks, the riders share a mutual respect. Neels has maintained friendly relationships with several competitors, which makes difficult moments more bearable. Exchanges on a WhatsApp group have added a new dimension to this camaraderie, allowing everyone to support each other in the worst difficulties.

Solving problems encountered on the road together creates a competitive spirit while strengthening bonds. In moments of tension, these interactions can be soothing. It is not uncommon to see riders gather around a broken-down vehicle to lend a hand. These moments of brotherhood are a testament to the spirit of mutual aid that reigns in the rallying community.

The anecdotes shared with other riders during breaks also help keep morale high. The challenges, the good and the bad stories enrich the experience and create indelible memories.

The Lessons Learned

Participating in Dakar is also a school of life. Neels and his father have discovered that the rally teaches much more than just driving a vehicle. Resilience and the ability to bounce back in times of crisis are essential qualities. Each stage, each failure, and each success forms a learning journey. These lessons apply not only on the tracks but also in everyday life.

The obstacles faced during the rally are a metaphor for the challenges anyone can encounter in life. The Theric duo is a perfect example, as they continue to fight to reach their goals. The values of respect, mutual aid, and discipline acquired during this adventure guide them far beyond the tracks.

Ultimately, this experience has brought them closer and allowed them to share unforgettable moments. Neels and Daniel's family mission remains to inspire other parent-child pairs to engage in similar adventures that bring them together.

The Key Moments of the Adventure

Each edition of this iconic race brings its share of memories. For Neels, some moments remain etched in his mind. One of the highlights was his first stage in difficult terrain, marked by harsh weather conditions. Despite the fatigue, adrenaline pushed him forward, an indescribable feeling. Moreover, the constant support of his father, who was always there for him, strengthened his determination.

The memorable anecdotes also enrich their story. Whether it is a mechanical problem solved in an emergency or a night spent in the assistance truck, each experience forges their collective memory. These stories bring a necessary lightness in the midst of competition.

Moments of doubt and pain also form part of the journey. Having a parent by one’s side has been a valuable asset in overcoming these trials. Daniel has always been there to provide advice and encouragement when it was most needed, making this experience something they will cherish forever. Neels is grateful to his father, knowing that they now share an unbreakable bond built on faith and mutual support.

The Support of the Community

The stories from the Dakar pilot community are often filled with solidarity and loyalty. Support from family, friends, and teammates is fundamental in this type of race. Neels and Daniel benefited from a network of encouragement, not only by reconnecting with acquaintances on-site but also through social media, which allows for enriching interactions before, during, and after the race.

Sharing their adventures on social platforms has helped rally their supporters, sharing their moments of joy and sorrow. It has also allowed others to discover Dakar through their experience, attracting attention and interest to this cult rally.

This connection with the community is a constant source of motivation, and interactions with their followers have been a breath of fresh air during the long stages of the rally. Receiving encouraging messages helps maintain high morale and stay focused.

The Next Challenges

As Neels and Daniel recover from their latest experience, they are already looking towards the future challenges ahead. Dakar is a race that requires constant preparation and adaptation in the face of new trials. The duo aspires to continue learning and improving for their future participations.

By keeping an eye on the trends and developments in rallying, they plan to diversify their experience while strengthening their bond. The next stages involve participating in other rallies to gain a better understanding of the terrain and expand their skills.

The passion for motorcycles and rallying is deeply rooted in them. Neels and Daniel are well aware that the adventure is just beginning. Each of them dreams of having their journey recognized and passing on their know-how to the new generation of riders.