Dakar Without Support: An Interview with Anastasia Nifontova

Contents:

• Conquering Off-Road: Desert Racing and Martian Landscapes
• Motorcycling, Injuries, and Musical Preferences
• Doping and the 2017 Dakar: How Athletes Overcome Difficulties

Conquering the Off-Road: Desert Racing and Martian Landscapes

Why did you choose off-roading instead of paved tracks? It's a completely different experience. Off-road racing offers unique challenges and opportunities that you can't get on a smooth surface. Not only speed is important here, but also control skills in difficult conditions. Safety, control, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions make these races especially exciting.

Early in my career, I competed in road racing, but they soon lost their appeal. Repeated laps on the same track made me dizzy. In contrast, off-road racing offers real dynamics: steep climbs and descents, sharp turns in different directions. We encounter changing terrain and weather conditions - from pouring rain to bright sunshine, from morning chill to midday heat. Off-road racing is more than just a competition; it is an exciting adventure that takes you to places inaccessible to ordinary tourists. It is an opportunity to experience adrenaline, feel a connection with nature, and push your limits.

I travel a lot, and some places have left an indelible mark on me. One of the most impressive destinations was Paris, with its rich history and architecture. Walking along the Champs-Élysées and visiting the Eiffel Tower are unique experiences. Also unforgettable were trips to Japan, where the combination of traditional culture and modern technology is mind-blowing. I can't help but mention the natural beauty of New Zealand, where the breathtaking landscapes and purity of the environment create an atmosphere of harmony. These places inspire and open new horizons, leaving you wanting to return again.

Sand dunes and sand dunes have always drawn me. My favorite desert is the Rub' al-Khali desert on the Arabian Peninsula, located in the United Arab Emirates. It is one of the hottest deserts on Earth, where temperatures consistently reach 40 degrees Celsius. I also traveled to the White Desert in Egypt, famous for its snow-white sand, against which unusual rock formations stand out. This landscape is reminiscent of Mars, and I always admire its unique beauty. Deserts not only captivate with their splendor, but also impart a sense of boundless space and peace.

The 2019 Dakar Rally was held in Peru, where sand dunes reach impressive heights of 600–700 meters. These majestic, mountain-like sand formations flow seamlessly into beaches and are lapped by the ocean. Describing this spectacle in words is extremely difficult, as it is captivating in its beauty and scale. Peru's unique landscape creates the ideal conditions for one of the most challenging and spectacular rallies in the world.

Is the beauty of the desert always a top priority for you?

My passion for the sands is boundless. When racing, I always notice the world around me. For example, in Bolivia, I took part in a race on the Uyuni salt flat. This place resembles space. Although the salt lake has long since dried up, its surface is sometimes covered with a thin layer of water, creating the illusion of weightlessness. Racing through this unique landscape is an unforgettable experience and allows you to experience the incredible beauty of nature.

The Africa Eco Race finishes in Senegal, near the Pink Lake, which truly possesses a unique pink hue. This natural phenomenon attracts tourists and nature lovers. Similar lakes can also be found in Astrakhan, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the natural landscapes. The Pink Lake in Senegal has become one of the region's calling cards, and its unusual color has attracted the interest of many travelers and researchers.

Motorcycling, Injuries, and Musical Preferences

In 2016, a memorable incident occurred at the Africa Eco Race that went down in motorcycling history. I broke my back, but despite the injury, I continued racing and rode the entire race day. This incident demonstrates not only the physical resilience but also the mental strength of a motorcycle racer. How did someone overcome such a serious injury and not retire? This is a question that concerns many, and the answer lies in incredible determination and passion for racing.

Motorcycling is inherently associated with a high injury rate. Constantly focusing on pain can lead to the decision to give up racing. Motorcyclists often deal with various injuries such as strains, bruises, and muscle soreness – this is an inevitable part of competition. Although this is unpleasant, it is important to keep going. You just need to be patient, take painkillers, and reach the finish line, since giving up all your efforts halfway is not advisable.

There are many stories of motorcyclists who continue racing despite serious injuries, such as a broken collarbone. This pain is significantly more severe than with a spinal injury, as it's virtually impossible to control a motorcycle with one hand. These situations often lead to the perception that motorcyclists are reckless. While this is true to some extent, many riders spend a year preparing for competitions, investing significant resources and effort, and quitting halfway through is simply not an option. Motorcycles and racing are not only a sport but a lifestyle, and dedication often overcomes physical pain. Surviving the pain of riding a motorcycle requires exceptional concentration and focus on the road. It's important to learn to ignore physical discomfort to maintain control of the vehicle. To successfully cope with these challenges, it's important to develop motorcycle handling skills and train your attention.

At the same time, don't forget about the beauty of the world around you. Learn to notice details: the play of light on tree leaves, the changing shades of the sky, the outlines of mountains on the horizon. This will help distract you from the pain and make the ride more enjoyable. Learning to combine motorcycle control with your perception of the world around you will not only improve your skills but also give you new emotions and impressions.

During a race, your field of vision narrows to the width of the road, but along the way you will encounter amazing landscapes. Our race includes not only racing sections but also liaisons – sections where we travel on public roads, obeying the rules and enjoying the surrounding views. These moments allow you not only to enjoy the speed but also to appreciate the beauty of nature and architecture, which makes the race more intense and memorable.

During the liaisons, I enjoy music. Special headphones in my helmet allow me to listen to my favorite tracks while I observe the lives of people around me. It's always exciting and allows me to immerse myself in the atmosphere. Music becomes an integral part of my journey, creating a unique experience and enriching my trips.

Do you have a favorite song that you listen to when you reach the finish line?

I don’t have a fixed music track – I select music according to with the mood. It can be classical music or pop music. There is a stereotype that motorcyclists prefer hard rock or metal, but I prefer more melodic and lyrical compositions. Music becomes an important companion during trips, creating a unique atmosphere and emphasizing the emotional state.

Doping and Dakar 2017: How athletes overcome difficulties

At the beginning of 2017, a serious situation related to doping arose before the Dakar race. One of the participants was found to have meldonium in her blood. How could such a problem arise?

The athlete spoke about a difficult period in her life: “I was focused on finding funding for the trip and preparing my equipment. Suddenly, I had health problems, and I went to see a doctor at a regular clinic. Without mentioning that I am an athlete, I received a prescription for medications, including meldonium.

After an unpleasant experience, I always consult with doctors about my prescriptions to ensure the safety of the medications I take. This lesson is important for all athletes striving to maintain their health and achieve their best results. Proper medical evaluation can prevent unwanted consequences and ensure safety during training and competition.

In the Russian sports context, the term "meldonium" has negative connotations. How were you able to take part in the race given this environment?

I am not a member of the Olympic team, but simply a private racer who decided to fight for my rights. I did not have a team of specialists, including a doctor, massage therapist, or lawyer. I independently collected all the necessary documents confirming the medical indications for taking the drug and began corresponding with WADA. My lawyer friends supported me with their advice, but this approach is not ideal. To achieve success in your sports career, it's important to have a team of professionals who will handle all legal and medical matters while you focus on training and competition. Having qualified specialists significantly increases your chances of success and allows you to fully focus on your sport.

Don't you want to delegate these tasks to others? Delegating tasks allows you to focus on more important aspects of your work and increase overall productivity. It's a great way to free up time and resources for strategic planning and creative work. Consider delegating routine tasks to streamline your workflow and increase efficiency.

I'm not yet sure about the financial feasibility of this approach. It's important to thoroughly analyze whether the specialist's work will bring real benefits. In my personal branding course, I'll talk about how to start a sports business from scratch. The key principle is that launching a new business requires start-up capital—our experience and skills. Without this, it's difficult to evaluate the work of others and select the right team members.

Ineffective Instagram promotion can lead to loss of funds. I have had cases where promises to increase the popularity of my account did not come true, and the results were far from expected. Therefore, it is important to choose reliable promotion methods and carefully check the proposals.

Despite all the difficulties, I received permission to participate in the Dakar 2017 just five hours before the start. At that moment, I hoped the situation would turn out in my favor.

In any struggle, the key factor is believing in your own victory, even when serious obstacles arise. The chances of success may seem slim, and many might give up. However, true athletes are resilient and fight to the very end. I decided not to give up and was willing to take risks to achieve my goal.