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Tjaša Fifer the winner of the Xross 2024 Hobby Class

Tjaša Fifer the winner of the Xross 2024 Hobby Class

Slovakia’s Tjasa Fifer won the Hobby class at the Xross Hard Enduro Rally 2024, and she also took the title for Best Outstanding Performance. As one of the rare female riders in this mostly man-dominated sport, Tjasa is paving the way for herself and all the girls who aspire to ride hard enduro. We caught up with her after the Xross for a short chat. 

Although Hard Enduro is mostly a men's sport, the Xross has welcomed female riders in almost all editions throughout its 10-year history. This year, we have welcomed four ladies: Tjaša Fifer and Patsy Quick in the Hobby class and Kirsten Landman in the Expert Class, and Lisa Bowman in Amateur class.

Photo by Predrag Vuckovic / Extreme Photogrpaher 

Five years ago, when Tjaša Fifer showed up at the Xross seemingly out of nowhere, she impressed us with her blistering speed. Then she disappeared. We were more than happy to see her name again on the starting list of the Xross 2024, and she showed us that her skills only improved since then. 

- I have been riding bikes since I was five, now I am 27. Regarding hard enduro, I was in the sport for 10 years, but it was mostly my hobby. I have tried to be a professional rider for the last five years. I train a lot, on and off the bike, and ride many races. Each year is getting better for me. I also switched my bike, and now I am riding Gas Gas. This bike suits me well. I love the feeling when I am on my bike, which is reflected in my results this season - says Tjaša. 

Photo by Xross Hard Enduro Rally

When it comes to the FIM Hard Enduro World Championship races, she tested her endurance and skills at the famous Erzberg Rodeo before coming to the Xross. 

- It was my first year at the Erzberg, and everything went okay, but I am a little upset with myself because I made a stupid mistake and fell on the Prologue. That cost me a really good position, so I started in the fifth row, but I made it to the Carl’s Dinner after all - says Fifer. 

Photo by Xross Hard Enduro Rally

We were curious about her expectations of the Serbian Enduro thriller. 

- I honestly didn’t know what to expect.  I was like - get on your bike and ride. The race was full of ups and downs, but I am very happy because of the overall win. I liked the 1st off-road day the most because it was a really nice track with full-speed sections. I was first through the finish line and happy about it. The second day was super hard, and I was out after 20 minutes of the race. So many loose rocks, uphills, downhills, plus the heat. Therefore, I made many mistakes, but I finished the race in one piece and ended up in 5th place - Tjaša recalls. 

Photo by Vladimir Mladenovic

She knew she had to bring her A-game on the third off-road day and was determined to take that victory. 

- After the start, I rode well, but I couldn’t find the speed or that feeling on my bike. However, after the Service Zone, where I rested a little bit, I was so fast that I found my tempo and kept pushing to the finish line. I loved the race, I love this country, and I am looking forward to returning next year  - says Fifer.

Photo by Vladimir Mladenovic

Her season is far from over. She has 8 more races down the line, but she admits that this victory is a strong wind in her back. At the end of our chat, we wanted to know what some of the main problems women in hard enduro face. 

- At this point, each year is a bit easier for me. But I used to be so disappointed earlier. No matter how good my results were, no one paid attention. However, once you go through that and start climbing podiums, they start paying attention to you. But it is hard to earn that trust from sponsors. As I said earlier, I train super hard, and I always give my best, which gives good results. Also, it is a very special moment when I am approached by girls who are starting to ride, and they say they see my effort, and I inspire them to do the same - says Tjaša Fifer.  

Photo by Vladimir Mladenovic

Congratulations, Tjaša. Keep doing what you do best. The Xross team wishes you all the best, and we look forward to welcoming you back next year.


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