Few athletes embody the true spirit of long-distance racing like Xavier de Soultrait, a French driver whose name has become synonymous with endurance, adventure, and determination. From his first laps on a motocross bike to the roaring engines of the Dakar Rally, his story is one of constant evolution — a journey defined by courage, technical skill, and an unwavering desire to conquer some of the most hostile landscapes on Earth.
Raised in Auvergne, a region of rugged hills and winding trails, he developed a taste for racing early on. His early years were spent on muddy tracks and mountain paths, where he learned discipline, balance, and mechanical precision — qualities that later made him a contender among international pilots. After excelling in motocross, he turned toward one of the toughest challenges in all of motorsport: rally endurance racing, a discipline demanding both mental and physical power.
This branch of racing, which includes legendary competitions such as the Dakar Rally, the Rallye du Maroc, and the Bajas World Cup, tests not only speed but also navigation, endurance, and self-control. For him, it represented the perfect combination of adventure and high-level competition. Each stage became a personal battle — against terrain, fatigue, and time — where focus and resilience mattered as much as horsepower.
What makes him stand out is not just his natural talent, but his constant drive to improve. Calm and methodical away from the track, he becomes a fierce competitor once the visor drops. Every obstacle taught him something; every mechanical issue became an opportunity to grow stronger. Through perseverance and passion, he evolved from a regional champion into one of France’s highest rank motorsport athletes, respected by teammates, rivals, and fans alike.
Today, this man symbolises the true Dakar spirit — a blend of endurance, humility, and performance. His journey reflects what competition is really about: not just crossing the finish line first, but enduring every hardship with patience, control, and courage. From the deserts of South America to the Saudi dunes, Soultrait continues to write one of the most inspiring chapters in modern rally history — the story of a modest Frenchman chasing, and often achieving, greatness.
Early Beginnings: A Natural Passion for Adventure
The story of Soultrait — brought up in Moulins, central France — begins like that of many great French sports champions: with an early spark of passion that soon turned into a lifelong pursuit of victory. At just four years old, he climbed onto his first motorbike, a modest motorbike that would change the course of his racing life. Guided by his father, himself a devoted enduro enthusiast, young Xavier spent weekends surrounded by engines, helmets, and dust.
“My father used to go riding with his friends every weekend,” he recalls. “We’d follow him, completely fascinated. That’s how I caught the passion.”
By his teenage years, he had participated in his first competitions, showing impressive control and instinct on the track. Competing in regional motocross and enduro events, he quickly began to rise through the rankings, winning over fans and coaches alike with his balance of technical skill and mental endurance. Each victory on the local circuit built confidence, proving that his professional path was on a trajectory far beyond France’s borders.
It was during this formative time that he learned the value of discipline and resilience — qualities that would later serve him in every rally-raid event he competed in. He admired French legends like Sébastien Loeb, whose achievements in rally racing inspired him to aim higher, and trained alongside peers like Martin Bonnet and other emerging talents in the Husqvarna team environment.
His early results were a blend of youthful aggression and raw potential — podium finishes, top positions, and lessons learned the hard way through mechanical failures and suffered setbacks. Yet every fall, every missed title, and every long ride across the mud or gravel only reinforced his determination to reach the highest level of international racing.
By the time he transitioned into professional rally-raid, he had already built a reputation as a fearless driver with the precision of an engineer and the heart of an adventurer. His later success with Husqvarna and Polaris would confirm what those early races had shown: that behind every great championship result lies years of effort, sacrifice, and relentless belief in the journey.
From those early rides in Auvergne to winning stages in some of the most demanding rallies on Earth, Soultrait’s path proves that passion born young can forge legends that inspire generations.
Climbing Through the Ranks
Soultrait’s career progression was as remarkable as it was determined. His early results in enduro quickly earned him regional recognition — first as Champion of Auvergne, then as French National Enduro Vice-Champion. Competing against some of the top drivers in France, he demonstrated not only raw speed but also the composure, endurance, and technical mastery that define a winning athlete. Each victory solidified his place among the nation’s leading competitors, and his talent began to attract the attention of major teams and sponsors within the European motorsport community.
As he continued to develop, he participated in the FIM, where his precision and consistency resulted in several top-10 rankings on the international stage. Those early challenges revealed both his potential and his unshakable mindset. He endured setbacks — mechanical breakdowns, crashes, and the fatigue of marathon stages — yet every obstacle reinforced his resilience. His passion for rally grew stronger with each year, setting the stage for an even greater challenge.
That next step came with the Dakar, the most demanding run in the world and the true measure of racing excellence. Considered the “Everest of motorsport,” the Dakar combines navigation, mechanical skill, and sheer physical endurance over thousands of kilometres of desert terrain. For Xavier, it represented the perfect test of everything he had learned — a chance to push his limits and measure himself against legends like Sébastien Loeb and other elite French racers.
He made his first appearance in January 2014, entering with limited resources but unlimited ambition. Competing without the full backing of a major team or official vehicle sponsor, he relied on grit, preparation, and a small circle of loyal supporters.
“I had to stop at one point due to lack of funding, but I couldn’t let go,” he explains. “I worked, saved, and gave myself the means to return to the Dakar. It means everything to me.”
Breakthrough Moments and Dakar Success
Year after year, Xavier de Soultrait refined his technique and his sense of navigation, gradually earning recognition among the world’s elite. His major breakthrough arrived in 2016, when he won the Bajas World Cup, demonstrating exceptional endurance and consistency across multiple rallies.
In 2017, he achieved one of his proudest moments by claiming a stage victory at the Dakar Rally, placing himself among the top international drivers. That same season, he celebrated triumphs in the Merzouga Rally and the Rally of Morocco, both known for their punishing terrain and extreme heat.
By 2018, he joined Yamaha Racing Team, a key step in his professional journey.
“I ate, slept, and breathed Dakar,” he admits. “It wasn’t just an event — it became my focus, my way of life.”
His leading overall Dakar ranking came in 2019, finishing 7th, cementing his reputation as one of the top off-road riders in the world.
The Dakar: Strength, Courage, and Destiny
For him, the Dakar is not just a competition but a human adventure — a challenge where endurance meets emotion. Each stage pushes both rider and machine to their absolute limit.
“The Dakar is the ultimate test,” he explains. “It demands focus, humility, and respect for the environment.”
After several editions on two wheels, he expanded his skillset into Extreme Enduro, earning podiums at competitions like the Enduro du Limousin and The Race, recognised for their brutal technical demands.
A severe crash in 2020, during the fourth stage of the Dakar, forced him to step back and reconsider his path. What followed was not retirement — but a transformation.
A New Chapter: The SSV Challenge
In 2024, Soultrait embraced a new challenge in the SSV (Side-by-Side) category, joining the Polaris factory team with renewed determination. Driving a Polaris RZR Pro R Factory, he entered the Dakar once again — but this time behind the wheel rather than on the saddle.
“Switching to four wheels was something I had envisioned for years. I wanted to keep racing but with more control and safety,” he explains. “Now, my goal is to win again — differently.”
This transition reflects not a change of heart but an evolution of his passion. Combining his years of motorbike experience with precision driving, he continues to showcase his adaptability and leadership as one of France’s most complete rally competitors.
Living with Risk: The Price of Passion
Endurance rallying remains one of the most dangerous forms of motorsport. Every edition of the Dakar reminds participants of its unpredictability and the mental strength it demands.
“We chase adrenaline, but the danger is real,” he says. “One split-second error can change everything.”
In 2021, he suffered a serious neck injury, a stark reminder of the physical limits of the sport. Yet despite the setbacks, his motivation and resilience remain intact. The challenge, for him, has always been to balance passion with precaution — a philosophy that defines the world’s top racers.
Racing with Confidence: The Importance of Protection
In extreme conditions, having reliable support is crucial. Throughout his journey, Xavier de Soultrait has been backed by Assure Ton Sport (ATS), a French company that provides tailored protection for both professionals and amateurs in competitive environments.
“Being insured helps free your mind,” Xavier explains. “It allows you to focus on what truly matters — driving at your best.”
Assure Ton Sport provides fully digital, international protection covering injuries, medical treatment, repatriation, and more — ensuring that athletes, no matter their level, can compete safely and confidently.
“Their solutions make it easy for everyone to follow their passion with peace of mind,” adds Xavier.
Xavier de Soultrait: Determination and Legacy
Today, Xavier de Soultrait remains a symbol of perseverance and performance in off-track competition. Whether steering an SSV, guiding his team, or mentoring younger drivers, he continues to inspire through his discipline and energy.
From motocross beginnings to Dakar stage wins and his ongoing journey with Polaris, Xavier’s story is one of passion and perseverance — proof that the strongest victories are earned through resilience.
