Race upward on the highest structure globally: Follow Sam Sunderland's ascent at the world's tallest building
Sam Sunderland, a British rally raid biker based in Dubai, has made a name for himself as one of the world's top endurance athletes. His exceptional performance in the gruelling Dakar Rally has earned him the title of a two-time winner, with victories in 2017 and 2022.
The Dakar Rally, a 5,000-mile off-road race covering 10 to 15 days, is notorious for its challenging terrain and demanding conditions. Sunderland's success in this race demonstrates his ability to consistently perform at the highest level, showcasing his physical and mental stamina, navigation skills, and motorcycle control.
Sunderland's journey to becoming a two-time Dakar Rally champion is a testament to his resilience and determination. In 2017, he clinched his first victory, a hard-fought win that marked his arrival as a force to be reckoned with in the world of rally raid racing. His second victory in 2022 further solidified his status as one of the sport's elite riders.
Beyond his racing achievements, Sunderland is now venturing into new challenges that build on his Dakar experience. In 2025, he announced an ambitious plan to become the fastest person to circumnavigate the world on a motorcycle. This feat involves riding nearly 1,000 miles daily for 19 days across 15 countries on five continents, surpassing the endurance required even in the Dakar Rally.
This latest mission reflects Sunderland's evolution from a rally champion to a broader adventure and endurance athlete, seeking to push the limits of what's possible on a motorcycle.
Sunderland's career has also been documented in a film that he considers his favourite. The film, which features footage from the Dubai Rally, provides an insight into his personal and professional life, showcasing his hard work and determination that have led to his success. Despite battling illness during the filming, Sunderland's spirit and determination shone through, making for an inspiring watch.
As the Dakar Rally 2022 continues, fans can follow Sunderland's progress on Red Bull TV. With his unyielding spirit and remarkable endurance, there's no doubt that Sunderland will continue to make waves in the world of rally raid racing and beyond.
Sam Sunderland's ambition extends beyond rally raid racing, as he aims to participate in an extreme BMX stunt show, showcasing his versatility in sports. Despite having no prior experience in BMX, Sunderland trains diligently to master the adrenaline-filled world of bike stunts, hoping to compete in Red Bull's upcoming BMX Racing event.
Sunderland's long-standing passion for adventure sports led him to try his hand at surfing, another sport that demands a high level of agility and coordination. After investing time in training, he was able to ride the waves confidently and even competed in the Surfing World Series, further diversifying his athletic portfolio.
In the future, Sunderland aspires to race a high-performance car in an auto-racing event, broadening his racing horizons. He believes that the skills he's honed in rally raid racing, such as vehicle control, strategic planning, and mental resilience, will provide a strong foundation for success in auto-racing.
