The Dakar Rally is one of the world’s toughest endurance races, testing not only the riders but also the gear they rely on. We are incredibly proud that our Mira Riding Gear was put to the ultimate test at Dakar 2025 by rally racer Justin Gerlach (#111). Competing through extreme desert conditions, Justin’s experience showcases both the durability and performance of our gear.
Meet Justin Gerlach
Justin Gerlach is a determined and passionate rally racer who thrives on extreme challenges. Dakar 2025 was a true test of his skill, perseverance, and adaptability, as he faced unpredictable weather, grueling distances, and the toughest terrain imaginable.
We sat down with Justin after the race to discuss his experience, the most challenging moments, and how Mira supported him on this incredible journey.
Q&A with Justin Gerlach: Dakar 2025 Experience
1. What was the most challenging moment for you during the Dakar, and how did you push through it?
To be honest, just making it to the Dakar Rally is a huge challenge in itself. Years of hard work, determination, and preparation are needed just to get to the start line. But once you’re there, you face new challenges every single day.
My toughest moment was definitely on Days 2 and 3 during the Chrono Stage. At kilometre 200 of the 950km stage, I had a gearbox failure, which left me with only first and second gear. I pushed through in second gear until kilometre 400, but by then, the sun had set, and many competitors, including myself, were forced to stop at a fuel station for the night.
Thankfully, two fellow racers helped me open the clutch side of my engine, where we found that my shifting star was broken. We managed to shift manually so I could use gears 3-6, but I couldn’t shift back up if I dropped to second. So I rode in third gear, keeping the gear lever in my pocket to shift to fourth on long straights. It was a tough 550km, but I made it through just as darkness fell—still in the race.
2. What was the most memorable or rewarding part of the race?
It’s hard to pick just one moment. The Chrono Stage was incredible, but what truly made the experience special was coming back to camp each day. Seeing my dad waiting for me at the entrance and having the amazing support of the Duust team was what I looked forward to the most.
Of course, crossing the finish line after all the struggles and challenges was the ultimate reward!
3. How did you prepare physically and mentally for Dakar?
Physically, the best training is spending time on the bike. By the time I was 23, I had already competed in nine rally races, including two Abu Dhabi Desert Challenges, which helped me qualify for Dakar. I also cycled a lot, ran, and hit the gym regularly to stay in top shape.
Mentally, confidence in your skills is crucial, but you also need to be honest about your weaknesses. I knew I was strong in fast tracks and dunes but not as skilled in rocky terrain. My strategy was to take it easy in the rocks and push harder in the sandy sections. That approach paid off.
Most importantly, you need to stay motivated. During Dakar, I asked myself many times, “Why am I doing this?” Knowing the answer before the race is key to pushing through when things get tough.
4. How did your bike and gear perform in the extreme conditions?
I rode a 2019 KTM 450 Rally, which had already completed a Dakar in 2020 and numerous other races. I bought it with a rebuilt engine, and my dad and I worked on the chassis bearings, suspension, and other key parts before the race. Other than the shifting star issue, the bike held up well, thanks in large part to Greg and the mechanics at Duust, who ensured it was race-ready every morning.
Dakar Rally 2025
As for my gear, Mira Riding Gear played a massive role in keeping me prepared for all conditions. The perforated Air Jacket was perfect for ventilation and staying warm on cold days, while the Down Jacket provided essential insulation in the mornings. The Rain Jacket was great for long liaisons, and during the final two days, the full Spandex Jacket helped me stay cool in the extreme desert heat.
5. What advice would you give to riders dreaming of Dakar?
First—go for it! But don’t rush it. Have a solid plan and speak with riders who have raced in Saudi Arabia to understand what to expect. Be honest about your weaknesses and work on improving them.
For training, I recommend racing in Abu Dhabi and Morocco. I only did Abu Dhabi, which is great for sand, but I struggled because Dakar has a lot more rocky terrain like Morocco. You need to be comfortable in all conditions to avoid crashes and survive the rally.
Lastly, choose the right team. A Dakar team is more than just mechanics—they are the people who keep you going when you feel rough. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in you.
Justin’s Honest Review of Mira Riding Gear
Justin tested several Mira pieces during Dakar 2025, and here’s what he had to say:
General Feedback
✅ Factory-level aesthetics – Looked professional and stood out among competitors.
✅ Spacious pockets – Great for carrying essential gear.
✅ High production quality – Strong seams, excellent materials, and functional design.
✅ Tight-fitting for rallying – Prevented unnecessary flapping and offered optimal ventilation.
✅ Mesh lining – Enhanced airflow, which was crucial in desert racing.
🔹 Room for improvement: Slightly tight fit when pockets were full, and arm length could be a bit longer.
Perforated Airvest Rally Jacket
✅ Adjustable ventilation for varying temperatures.
✅ Velcro seals on arms provided extra cold protection.
✅ Durable fabric withstood tough rally conditions.
🔹 Could be improved: Collar sometimes scratched the neck, and flexible arm material was vulnerable to thorn damage.
Full Spandex Airvest Jacket
✅ Unmatched ventilation – Perfect for extreme heat.
✅ Mesh lining kept the jacket open for maximum airflow.
✅ No collar discomfort.
🔹 Best for extreme heat only – More suited for Abu Dhabi than the full Dakar race.
Down Jacket
✅ Great insulation for cold mornings.
✅ Looked professional.
🔹 Could be improved: Very tight fit, and shorter rear length led to cold drafts.
Ripstop Rain Jacket
✅ Lightweight and compact.
✅ Fit well over the rally jacket.
✅ Water-resistant.
🔹 Could be improved: Zipper sometimes got stuck in the fabric.
Final Thoughts
Justin’s feedback has been invaluable in helping us refine our rally gear. His insights push us to continue innovating for extreme performance conditions. We’re proud to have supported him on his Dakar 2025 journey and look forward to seeing Mira Riding Gear in future rallies.
Would Justin wear Mira again for his next Dakar? Absolutely!
