Name: Jacob Smith.

Age: 21 – turning 22 a couple of days before the race start.

Home town: Condoblin, born and raised with most of my family here too.

Occupation: Recently qualified linesman working in the district.

Ed: Jacob, thanks for talking to me – I know you’re in the closing stages of packing up to fly out to Buenos Aires. For the readers out there, I’d like to ask you some quick questions about your background and how you came to be where you are with your push on Dakar. When did you start riding?

JS: I started young at about two and a half years old riding my sister’s PW50. It was pink, but I raced it. I started racing at about three and a half. The whole family were into bikes.

Ed: When did you first consider going to Dakar?

JS: Serious thoughts of Dakar started straight after the Australian Safari in 2009. I’d always followed the Dakar and used to watch guys like Andy (Caldecott) and David Schwartz and dreamed of going. But it was only when Glenn called and said he wanted to do it and was considering taking me that I thought it was a possibility. I talked to my Dad about it – he’s always been a massive support and sounding board for decisions – and we decided it was the right time. There was never any thought that I would go with anyone other than GHR. Serious discussions started earlier this year.

Ed: What preparations have you made for Dakar?

JS: Obviously I was concerned when I crashed in the Safari this year, but my injuries were far less of a problem than I thought they would be. I came good faster than I thought I would and I am 100% now. I’ve been training with Jim Cole who works with Stephen Gall, and focussing on endurance work more than I had before. I am still lots of gym work for strength, but for Dakar I’ve been doing swimming and cycling for aerobic fitness. Because it’s been raining so much I’ve not done as much riding as I would have done otherwise, but I’ve still done a bit of riding with my brother who also lives in town. We always like to ride together for training. I’ve done been some prep and testing work with GHR. We tested at Stockton and the bike felt really stable with the extra weight but still turned and handled like a completely stock 450. The settings based on the what we used in Safari felt great. GHR have done all the mechanical work and the 450 has been so good on Safari, I guess I really just want to get over there and do it.

Ed: How did you explain to your boss what you wanted to do on your Christmas holidays?

JS: (Laughs…) Actually my boss races bikes too, so he’s been really supportive. His first comment was “what a great opportunity”. Early on in the year we looked at how much leave I had and he’s backed me up all the way. I’m taking a week’s leave without pay, but to go and do this I’d take the whole time without pay if I had to! I’m really grateful for what I am about to go and do. I do stop and think about that. I’m aware that the Dakar is something that heaps of riders dream about but I’m one of the lucky ones who who gets to go. My family, everyone really, have been extremely supportive.

Ed: What are you expecting from the event?

JS: I aim to finish, most of all. A strong result would be good but it’s a big ask to go there first time and do well. It’s a tough event so I have to pace myself. Other than that I am there to learn as much as I can.