After making his Dakar Rally debut in January, Romain Bouzigon confirmed Sunday that he will not be back in 2027 as he’d like to focus on other projects. Still, he hopes to be back for a later edition.

“The Dakar is much more than just a few weeks of racing. It’s a commitment that requires a huge amount of time, energy, preparation, and availability long before going to Saudi Arabia,” he explained. “Right now, I need to channel this energy into my professional projects, taking time to develop them and build for the future.”

Bouzigon planned to race the 2025 Dakar but broke his collarbone at the 2023 Rallye du Maroc, forcing him to push back his campaign by a year. A 57th in Rally2 at the following year’s RdM and strong runs in non-FIM rallies, such as a sixth in 450cc at the 2025 Carta Rallye, earned him the ticket for 2026.

He competed solo in Original by Motul, the same subclass as his friend and eventual winner Benjamin Melot. Bouzigon, who holds a doctorate in sports science and runs an athletic training center in Besançon, is Melot’s personal trainer. While Melot had prior experience at Dakar, he and Bouzigon worked together to raise the money needed for the trip; on the MX Reflexion podcast, they recalled one such method was reaching out to Dakar alumnus and sand racer Camille Chapelière, who has an OnlyFans account and therefore some savvy in attracting sponsors. They also contacted several companies in Besançon.

The race began on a rough note for Bouzigon as he experienced heat stroke while working on his bike even before the start. While this left him out of shape when the rally commenced, he was able to complete the rally without substantial issues. Bouzigon finished 66th in Rally2 and 21st for Malle Moto.

“Dakar 2026 was an incredible experience, as demanding as it was rewarding,” he continued. “It gave me a lot personally and professionally, and I am proud of the journey I have taken.

“I’m certainly not turning my back on this legendary race for good, but I won’t be there in 2027.”

Featured image credit: Jennifer Lindini / ASO