The Pink Elephant has etched its name in history by securing the title in the Dakar Classic 2025 truck category, replicating the triumph achieved the year prior. This accomplishment not only signifies a remarkable sporting milestone for a Spanish team in this category, but also underscores the commitment of the Dakar for Life team to breast cancer awareness.
From the outset of the competition in Saudi Arabia, the team held the lead, retaining first place from the prologue stage until they reached their final destination in Shubaytah. Throughout the race, the team championed the message of early breast cancer detection by donning the colour pink on their truck and incorporating other visual elements that aligned with their cause.

Rafa Lesmes and Tabatha Romon embrace following their victory. /LP/DLP
Conquering Challenges
The journey to victory was fraught with challenges. Despite facing numerous obstacles such as rocks, thick dunes, mechanical issues and challenging weather conditions that complicated navigation, the Pink Elephant persevered. The tenacity of the team shone through, even when they encountered heavy fog and mechanical difficulties related to fuel leaks and shock absorber malfunction during the penultimate stage.
The adventure concluded with the team achieving ninth place overall among the 100 participants of the Dakar Classic 2025. Their delay in one stage due to the truck becoming stranded in the sand was a contributing factor to their final positioning.

Rafa Lesmes, driver of the Pink Elephant. / Dakar for Life
The Key to Team Success
This victory can be attributed largely to the prowess of Rafa Lesmes from the Canaries as the pilot, along with the skills of Tabatha Romon from Madrid, responsible for navigation, and the mechanic Albert Casanoba from Burgos, who ensured the truck maintained peak performance. Additionally, the logistical support from TH-Trucks was vital for the team to thrive in this grueling event.
In his remarks following day 12, Lesmes expressed immense relief and joy at successfully reaching the finish line, dedicating their victory to the Canary Islands and all those impacted by breast cancer across the Archipelago and Spain. “I hope our journey has inspired and brought joy to those battling this illness,” the pilot stated.

The ‘Pink Elephant’ navigating through the Saudi desert. / Dakar for Life
A Project with Social Significance
The Dakar for Life team has distinguished itself not only for its race performance but also for its social responsibility. This initiative is backed by a range of sponsors that endorse its mission of raising awareness. Among these are Finca Canarias Aloe Vera, the Government of the Canary Islands, the Canarian Carrera por la Vida Foundation, TH-Trucks, and various local organisations who appreciate the significance of early cancer detection.
Through this remarkable adventure, the Pink Elephant has effectively merged the thrill of the Dakar with a worthy cause, illustrating that the spirit of adventure and solidarity can coexist. This edition of the Dakar Classic concludes not only with a sporting achievement but also leaves a legacy of hope and increased awareness in the battle against breast cancer.