Stephanie Rowe was keen on making her Dakar Rally debut in 2026, especially because she wanted to get there before she underwent knee surgery that would likely keep her off the bike for a while. Unfortunately, an accident has left those plans in jeopardy.

Rowe posted the following on social media Tuesday:

Unfortunately I had a nasty crash. I hit a rock which sent me over the bars but other than that I don’t remember anything as I was knocked unconscious.

There are a few hours where I can only remember a couple of minutes. Thankfully brain scans have come up okay and I just came away with bruising and cuts to my face.

I have multiple fractures in both my wrists one is particularly more shattered than the other and was also dislocated. I’ve already had two surgeries to plate and screw the bones back in place in both wrists.

My left knee also took a hit, x-rays showed initially nothing was broken and I had to wait to have an MRI as there was too much swelling. Thankfully the soft tissue looks untouched but I have severe bruising and swelling and still can’t use my leg.
After a long hospital stay I’m now in a rehabilitation center.

I’m focusing on my recovery now and being aware that with a head injury I need to take my time and think about not only the physical recovery but also mental.

This is obviously going to change my plans which is heartbreaking but life doesn’t go to plan. Considering how bad the crash was and the initial suspected injuries I’m just grateful it wasn’t worse and I’ll be able to ride another day.

In January, Rowe ran the Africa Eco Race and finished 34th in class. She is the first woman Motul Xtreme Rider (Malle Moto) to finish the race.

She’s been doing rallies primarily in Europe since 2017. In 2023, she made her debut in the W2RC’s Rallye du Maroc; Rowe placed 74th in Rally2 at the 2024 edition.

Featured image credit: Alessio Corradini