- Xross Team®
Sandra Gomez is one of the rare ladies in Hard Enduro. She grew up in a family that loves all sports but adores motorcycles. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that she and her brother, Alfredo, are into Hard Enduro. In the past several years, Sandra has made noticeable results on some of the toughest races globally, and she also tested her skills at the famous Dakar rally. If you are a fan of Casa de Papel, then you know Tokyo's spectacular bike entrance scene - you can thank Sandra Gomez for that show.
We spoke with her a few days before the Xross to discuss racing life and everything else.
Hi Sandra, what are your expectations now that the new season in front of the doors?
My season started at the Dakar, but with hard enduro, it is completely different, so I expect every race to be different. For now, my goal for the Xross in Serbia is to finish the race. Because last year I had many problems, and I couldn't finish the race.
Most of the time, you are the only lady in PRO class in hard enduro, which is a male-dominated sport. Do guys help you on the track, and do they see you as a competition?
Yes, of course, we help each other. I have a brother who rides as well. Still, some people think that a woman can't beat them, but they are wrong. It depends. My ultimate goal is to win, but I know what I am capable of and what I can achieve. It is difficult, and the level of riding is very high, but I am always doing my best. After all, I think about them as riders and competitors and see myself like that, too. I always try to do my best in the race to be better than last year.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background - how did you start riding and get into motorsport in the first place?
Both Alfredo and I started riding because of our dad, and he is a passionate motorcycle rider. He was competing in trials, so we grew up watching this discipline. Both my parents love the sport in general and the competitions. As younger, I competed in skiing, trials, and gymnastics. Our parents always encouraged us to try different sports, but in the end, we chose motorbikes. My mom is also riding a motorcycle, and they are both happy because they love motorcycles.
When it comes to trial discipline, I started on the regional competitions, but then I went to the world championships with my dad. With hard enduro, I started with the X Games in Barcelona. I was third. At the same time, Alfredo also switched from trials to hard enduro. And we both decided to take this path because we liked it.
What do you like the most about Hard Enduro?
The places that we ride, they are incredible. Every race is different, and we travel around the world. I love that part and the people.
How do you train throughout the year?
I like different sports, so I train a lot with the motorcycle - motocross, trials, enduro. I also do time on the bicycle, running, and swimming. I spend much time in the gym because you also need muscles.
How do you overcome tough segments on the race and how do you motivate yourself during tough times?
Mentally it is hard. But coming from trials, it was actually easier for me. I am alone during the race, but it is easier - because you fight only with yourself and you rely only on yourself. I usually encourage myself with the Spanish words: Vamos! - which means - Go! And I make sure that my wheels are turning all the time, even if they move slowly - the most important thing is that they move.
What do you consider your biggest accomplishments in Hard Enduro?
Definitely, finishing Romaniacs because I thought I would not be able to do it. It was crazy. The first time I finished it, it was Covid year. It was October, it rained, and it was cold. But I finished it, and the next day when I woke up, I couldn't believe it.
Some Hard Enduro races, such as Xross or Romaniacs, last several days. How do you manage to rest in between two racing days?
I usually can't sleep well because I am too excited. That is why I try to watch some movies and relax. Also, I like to meet with friends whenever it is possible. But watching movies and videos is very relaxing for me. If I go to sleep, I dream about the race and don't get any rest.
And what about the recovery after the race? The schedule for the World Championship seems very tight. Do you manage to recover fully and get ready for the next race?
Sometimes it is really hard to balance this. Every race is different. Now, I am preparing for the Xross race and have one way of training. But for other races, I know I will have different challenges, so I prepare differently. Xross, for example, is a long day of riding, but some other races are fast. Every month is different, so I am changing and adapting the training to the next race.
Sandra Gomez at the start in Drvengrad, last year at the Xross / Photo: Zoran Jesic
How much experience of riding in one race can influence your result the next time?
Well, everything can change, including the track, but the place is always similar. The first time in Romania, I knew I couldn't finish because it was my first time. I didn't know what to expect. But the next year, I felt much more comfortable because I knew the terrain. And it was the same with Serbia. We are definitely prepared better for this year. Also, even if you don't have any personal experience with some race if someone who rides tells you how it is, it is of great help. But every race is a challenge for everyone - not just for the riders, the mechanic, and the organizers.
How much does the help of a mechanic in a service zone mean for a rider?
Having a mechanic in the service zone is also helpful because you can rest for a couple of minutes and not think about the bike. Also, you try to eat as much as you can. When you have races such as Xross that last a couple of days, you really need a good mechanic, and you have to trust them because they know your bike. Besides that, I also get help from my dad and brother, who are working with Alfredo. The entire Gomez family is coming to Serbia, and we go together on all races because we all love motorbikes.
What kind of tracks do you like the most, and was there some part of the track at the Xross that impressed you?
I like zig-zags in forests, but I also enjoy it when we are on the top of the mountains, on the ridges, and see these amazing views. When it came to the Xross, on the second day, I stopped in the white river. It was a super difficult part of the track, but super nice. I hope we will go there again this year.
Do you have anything to say to your fans and the audience that will come to watch the Xross?
I am so happy to return to Serbia, and I will enjoy it as much as possible. I can't wait to see all the people. I enjoyed the Prologue last year and look forward to riding it again. So I hope you will come to watch.
Thank you, Sandra. We are looking forward to welcoming you on Zlatibor, and we wish you the best of luck on the race.
Cover photo: Predrag Vuckovic
