2025 has been rough on the shoulders for Mathieu Dovèze. Fortunately, despite dislocating it when he crashed at the Rallye du Maroc, he will not have to undergo surgery and can begin training for the January’s Dakar Rally.

Dovèze’s accident occured just 30 kilometers into Stage 1, resulting in a dislocated left shoulder. The DNF put a damper on an otherwise hopeful message for the Frenchman, who was competing in a pink suit and helmet for breast cancer awareness before donating the jacket for cancer research.

In February, he had a procedure done on his shoulder for an injury that was lingering for about two to three years, and was aggravated whenever he fell off his bike. He raced the Dakar Rally and completed the event with two stage wins (albeit set back by a mechanical issue), followed by the Enduropale du Touquet before deciding to go ahead with the operation. As part of the surgery, Dovèze had a ligament grafted from his knee and a plate installed in his shoulder.

Even with the dislocation eight months later, he said Monday that he should be good to go to prep for Dakar.

“Yes, I dislocated my shoulder, and of course, it was a huge disappointment,” he commented. “I had done everything I could to have a great rally, but that’s also the reality of high-level sports: ups, downs, and always the same passion.

“After several tests and careful monitoring, no surgery is necessary. I can resume physical training and soon, riding. My goal is clear: to be 100% ready for the start of the 2026 Dakar Rally.”

While Dovèze is getting set for his sixth Dakar, he’ll also be spending November trying to scrounge together the money to afford the trip. He needs roughly €20 thousand to finalize the effort.

Featured image credit: Charly Lopez / ASO