Gerard Farrés

MAKING THE MOVE TO FOUR WHEELS

Gerard Farrés was born in Manresa, Spain, on March 24, 1979, and spent his childhood in Olost de Lluçanès, a small town of only a thousand inhabitants in the heart of Catalonia. For practicing his off-road skills, it would be an idyllic spot: in the middle of nature, surrounded by forests and fields full of life. Through his first race at 14 in the Championship of Catalonia of Enduro for Children, his career soared after being selected to compete in World Enduro competition. There, he trained with and competed against some of the world’s best riders as part of the Real Federación Motociclista Española (RFME) team.

In addition to winning a World Championship in that category, they also managed to win the Six Days of Enduro (ISDE) three times with the RFME junior team: in Australia, Portugal and Grenada. But it was just the start: Gerard has competed in the Rally Dakar three times, with numerous top finishes in Baja Spain, Rally Merzouga, and other long-distance rallies.

He’s a newcomer to the world of 4-wheeled machines, but he’s as quick as you’d expect for someone used to standing at the top of the podium. This year’s Dakar will be his strongest challenge yet.