Alona Ben Natan, an Israeli motorcyclist, secured the top position in the women’s division of the FIM Bajas World Cup after placing second in the Dubai race. Ben Natan was the first Israeli woman to compete in major rallies in Morocco and Dubai and faced opposition to her entry from Qatar when she was denied a visa and lost crucial membership points. She is also the first Israeli member of the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) Women’s Committee.
“This race was really tough, and my strategy was simply to finish because I was leading the world championship," Ben Natan told The Media Line. "I didn’t want to crash or push my limits, so I rode smoothly and not at my maximum.”
“I think the result is really good,” she continued. “I finished second overall today in Dubai, and we rode 842 kilometers in two days — a lot, especially in the dunes. I’m really happy I was in good shape, that I’m safe, and that I finished in one piece. Of course, I’m very proud of my result. Being a world champion is a title, and now I can move to bigger plans and bigger races I want to do this year, 2026.”
Ben Natan was asked about the decision not to allow her to display an Israeli flag or an indication of her country of origin during the race: “They removed my nationality from the list because of security. They’re really afraid something might happen, and I completely understand. I also want to go home safe, and I don’t want to do any show-off with the flag in front of everybody.”
Despite the restriction on competing under the flag of her native country, she said she felt a sense of camaraderie from her fellow riders: “With my friends — the riders who were with me the whole time — I got so much support and love. I felt really good, so I didn’t feel anything bad because I’m from Israel. It’s okay.”
“I have my flag with me. I’m not sure if I can go on stage with it, but I will try. For sure, when I get my trophies, I’ll take some photos with the Dubai Baja backstage. For me it’s important to show that I’m from Israel, and I’m really not afraid. I think the organization is more afraid than me, but I can understand. It’s okay,” Ben Natan added.
The FIM Bajas World Cup is the premier international championship for baja-style rally raid racing, organized by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) since 2012. The series features competition in multiple categories, including 450cc bikes, quads, and women’s and junior divisions.
Unlike longer cross-country rally events, cross-country bajas are typically held over two to three days, with demanding stages that test riders’ endurance and skill.
The Bajas World Cup now runs alongside the World Rally-Raid Championship and the FIA World Baja Cup, following the consolidation of international rally competitions beginning in the 2022 season.