Sam Sunderland

Dakar rider Sam Sunderland off-roading wearing full Alpinestars gear

Rally

Sam Sunderland is a desert racing legend. The first British rider to ever win the Dakar Rally, Sunderland has etched his name into rally raid history with a fearless approach, razor-sharp navigation skills, and the grit to conquer the toughest terrain on Earth. From Dakar to the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship, he’s become one of the most respected and accomplished riders in the sport.

About Sam Sunderland

Team

GasGas Factory Racing team

Country

United Kingdom

Date of birth

September 1st, 1986

Place of birth

Southampton, United Kingdom

Sam Sunderland riding in the desert wearing Alpinestars enduro apparel and protections

Career achievements

2x Dakar Rally Champion (2017, 2022)

2022 FIM World Rally-Raid Champion

First British rider to win Dakar

Multiple stage wins across Dakar, Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, and more

Known for calm under pressure and elite navigation skills

Desert-Proven: The Dakar Champion

Sam Sunderland has become one of the most successful rally raid racers of his generation. After early years in motocross and enduro, he transitioned to rally racing, joining the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing team and later making history as the first Brit to win Dakar in 2017.
In 2022, he repeated the feat - this time aboard a GASGAS - while also securing the inaugural FIM World Rally-Raid Championship. With a reputation for strategic brilliance, quiet confidence, and unmatched desert speed, Sunderland remains a top contender whenever the road turns to sand.

Photo credit: Red Bull Content Pool