Russia’s Anastasiya Nifontova the only female rider in Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Russia’s Anastasiya Nifontova was surprised to find that she is the only female rider in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge.

“I thought there would be other girls in this event but it looks like I am the only one,” Nifontova said.

“It will be new experience on the bike and competing with an all-male field, but it’s the second time riding in the Desert Challenge, so I know what to expect.

“I have been speaking to some of the local guys and they have said the sand is currently very soft because of the wind and the heat so let’s see what will happen this year.

“The first 10 to 15 guys are from factory teams and I can’t compete with them, but other guys are not familiar so I don’t know what to expect. I hope I will finish somewhere in the middle of the pack.

“Last time I used a rental bike and I had problems with it daily so I didn’t end up doing very well. I just managed to finish the race safely with lots of penalties.

“This time I have a new bike and team so I hope to do better.”