Tosha Schareina (03/06/1995, Valencia) is the great asset of the Spaniard in the fight for victory in the Dakar on motorcycles. The Valencian, after showing his talent in the 2021 and 2023 editions on a private motorcycle, made his debut as an official Honda rider last year, showing his immense speed among the favourites. He won the prologue, but crashing in stage 1, when he was the leader, turned his dream into a nightmare. A year later, he came back stronger after achieving great results in W2RC World Raids. He wants a victory that Spain has not achieved since 2015, when Marc Coma He reached his fifth sceptre.
Does the Spanish reliance on motorcycles mean extra pressure?
I see it more as an opportunity and an honor. It is an honor to be considered as a possible successor to great legends like Nani Roma and Marc Coma. Backpack? Not really, even under pressure. Hopefully one day it will come true.
Last year he was very disappointed when he was shining.
We had a great season and faced the best race of the year, the Dakar, with great enthusiasm. In the 2024 Dakar I started by winning the prologue stage, but the next day, on stage 1, I had a fall that left me (with a broken wrist). I don’t see it as a matter of bad luck or wanting to run more than I had to. These are the things that happen. Mistakes are costly and you won’t get lost.
How do you remember it?
I was in a very comfortable place, without risking anything, and I fell to a place where I felt comfortable riding. Maybe it’s too much relaxation. I’ve been signed with Honda for a few seasons and I’m sure I’ll continue, and more than the pain from the fall is the mental and sentimental pain because Honda trusted me and I can’t return that trust in the race. But from the first moment, when I was in the helicopter, I was calling the doctors to find out how I can recover as soon as possible. You must never give up and that is the difference.
After recovering from his injury he returned to his full potential, winning on his return to the World Cup in April.
I go with the mentality that I can always win and on my return to the World Cup I never thought that I couldn’t. I know I’m not 100% because I’ve only been on a rally bike for a few hours, but I know it’s a terrain that benefits me and I’m looking forward to it. And not once did I remember falling or doubting whether I was ready. I went to give my best and it turned out well. That happened in Dakar and I started with a clean slate to try to prepare. And the weather has been incredible. I am improving a lot in all areas. I’m more from the track and I know I’m very strong there, but then I can do well in the Morocco Rally (2nd), which is the most important and hardest race of the year, also gives you wings to be able to face the Dakar. I take mechanics and experience, something that is important in this sport.
Do you see yourself fighting to win the Dakar?
Always. In Dakar as in any other race you have to go for victory. Every day different races and things happen to everyone. I come with more experience than last year and that fall will help me not to rest. I find myself tending to fight for success. I have shown it all year and why not be there to fight to win.
Sunderland and Price, two of the favorites in recent years, switched to cars. But equity and future uncertainty remain enormous.
It’s incredible. I’m happy for Toby (Price) and Sam (Sunderland) to find their niche in the cars. In the current Dakar there are between 10 and 15 drivers who can compete for victory while years ago there were about five. That’s what makes the Dakar events and the World Cup so interesting. One day you can win and the next you’re still 10th. Everything will be very tight. And also, KTM is back, which is good for everyone.
He is Valencian, but has a German surname. What is its origin?
My name and surname are German. My father was German, from Brunswick, near Hanover. The second surname is Spanish (Marzal) because my mother is Spanish. When I was little I spoke German before Spanish, then both, and since then I’ve been losing my German while living alone in Spain. My mother worked in the hospitality industry and I didn’t lack for anything, but I never had the economic opportunity to compete on a motorcycle. The choice was opened to me by my uncle, who bought me a motorcycle. And the ball gradually grew. I ran more races and financially we were out. I was lucky to have a sponsor who helped me and there were also many who helped me selflessly, friends, etc… and I gradually climbed from paying to not paying, until now I have gotten a little better (laughs).
His story is one of perseverance. He fought for years to get a chance. How do you value it?
I think it’s a good story. This whole process also means that you will be more appreciative of what you have now and able to work harder. I have a back story that can be an example. I come from a family that doesn’t have money to try year after year, but instead has to look like an ant for help from every sponsor and every door. And in that process I met incredible people who helped me become who I am. Because of this, I value things more and perhaps do them more than others.
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
