An on-call firefighter from Abercrave will attempt one of the world’s toughest motorsport challenges when he lines up for the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia in January.

Neil Hawker, who serves with Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), will be one of only five British riders competing in the motorcycle category of the 2026 event. The 8,000km route runs from January 3-17, starting and finishing in the Red Sea port of Yanbu, and is regarded as the ultimate test of off-road endurance.

Mr Hawker will compete in the Originals by Motul class - a category considered the rawest version of the rally, where riders receive no mechanical assistance and must maintain and repair their own bikes after each stage.

“The Dakar Rally is without doubt the hardest motorsport event on earth,” he said.

“Some people climb Everest, others sail around the world, but for an off-road racer, the Dakar is the ultimate test.”

Although he has previously completed the rally twice, including a 37th-place overall finish in 2021, this will be his first Dakar while serving with MAWWFRS. Mr Hawker said he was “extremely proud” to represent the service and its values on the world stage.

The rally is famed for its punishing conditions, with riders battling extreme heat, hazardous terrain and the constant risk of mechanical failure. Competitors also face two marathon stages in which they camp in the desert overnight with limited food, supplies and equipment – a format which is designed to test the resilience of competitors as much as riding skill.

Hawker is currently juggling training with his duties as an on-call firefighter and his main job, and is expected to leave for Saudi Arabia in late December.

Everyone at MAWWFRS has wished him well as he prepares for the challenge.