Kirsten Landman: Pushing the progression of women in hard enduro

Round six of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship saw South Africa’s Kirsten Landman win the Women’s Hard Enduro Performance Award supported by 24MX at Sea To Sky.

As one of the leading women in hard enduro, Kirsten is no stranger to the challenges of a race like Sea To Sky in Turkey, with this year’s edition marking her eighth time participating. Excited to see it evolve into a round of the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship, Kirsten was determined to return and give it her best shot. 

 From the Beach Race through the Forest Race and finally the Mountain Race, she battled hard to an eventual 70th overall and a silver medal. Pleased with her performance, she hopes it inspires others to follow in her wheel tracks.

 Kirsten, how did you find this year’s Sea To Sky?

Kirsten Landman: “This was my eighth Sea To Sky, with my first one in 2015. I've got four gold finishes, but this year was a lot harder. With it now part of the world championship, a lot more riders were competing, and a lot of really good riders too. So, the level really shot up.” 

Were you pleased with your own performance?

“I don’t think I could have done anything better. The technicality and the jump from the previous years of Sea To Sky to now has been a big jump, but it’s great. I felt good, pushed hard and nearly got to checkpoint nine in the Mountain Race. To get a silver finish in 70th position overall, I'm really, really happy with my riding."

What makes hard enduro an enjoyable sport to participate in? 

“It’s fun, it’s challenging. Not just physically challenging, but mentally challenging also. It tests you as a human being. You don’t just have to be super fit, you've got to be a smart rider to finish the race. If you damage your motorbike, you’re not going to finish the race. That’s why I like hard enduro.”

But it’s fun too, right, even in the toughest moments?!

“The fun of hard enduro is in the challenges you face to reach the beautiful places we ride in. It’s just you in nature, outdoors. The terrain you’re riding on is extremely challenging, but also so rewarding when you get through it. When you’re out there scrumming, and you feel like you’re suffering, you’re not suffering alone. That’s when camaraderie comes into play.

“Towards the end of the Mountain Race there were five of us riding through the Black Canyon, and we were helping each other. That was the only way we could get through because we were so tired. It’s an individual sport, but sometimes you’ve got to help each other to get through it. We have good memories and laughs, and we suffered together. Those are all the things I love about the sport.”

Why is it important to have a specific award like the Women’s Hard Enduro Performance Award supported by 24MX?

“It gives us recognition. We're trying to grow the sport and get more women involved. This award shows the followers of hard enduro, who are mostly men, that women participation is important. That’s the whole point - to showcase that women are in the sport. 

“This way it encourages more women to follow hard enduro. It might inspire young girls who have a family member or friend racing. When they see someone finishing Sea To Sky and getting an award, they realise that girls can do this too and that sparks hope for some girls around the world. That’s how my dream started. I saw my cousin riding and thought, ‘I can do this.’ I’ve got a lot of girls in South Africa who message me saying they want to win this award one day, so let’s keep it going. It’s inspiring kids, and it’s great.”

What’s next for Kirsten Landman, where will your bike take you?

“My next challenge is the Roof of Africa, a home race for me in Lesotho. After that I’m pushing for another Dakar, which would be my third. The bigger goal, the bigger picture, is to go back and do another Dakar in Malle Moto. But in between, I’ll keep doing hard enduro races. I want to participate in more international races next year. I want to do this for as long as I can while I’m still young.”

The 2024 FIM Hard Enduro World Championship concludes this weekend at 24MX Hixpania Hard Enduro in Spain, October 26-27.