Josep Pedró: Charcuter Takes on Dakar Challenge

Josep Pedró, a pilot and manager of charcuteries in Barcelona and Madrid, is set to compete in the Dakar Rally this January in Saudi Arabia. He will participate in the rally's most demanding category, which requires competing without assistance and sleeping in a tent.

Pedró's return to the prestigious event follows a period of financial difficulty caused by the economic crisis, which resulted in the loss of his sponsors. During this time, he dedicated himself to managing his family business, the La Garriga charcuteries. Now, he is returning to the race to face the extreme challenges of the Dakar Rally.

Josep Pedró is known for managing the La Garriga charcuteries located in Barcelona and Madrid. While his daily life revolves around the family business, his passion lies in motorsport. This January, he is stepping away from the shop to participate in one of the world's most grueling races.

His background combines the discipline of running a business with the endurance required for high-level rallying. Pedró represents a unique blend of professional life in the food industry and athletic ambition in the automotive world.

The Dakar Rally is notoriously difficult, but Pedró has chosen to compete in the category más dura (the toughest category). This specific class is defined by its lack of external support; competitors must be entirely self-sufficient during the race stages.

Participants in this category face extreme physical and mental tests. The requirements include:

• Competing without a mechanical assistance team during stages
• Sleeping in tents rather than hotels or support trucks
• Navigating the harsh terrain of Saudi Arabia independently

For Pedró, this means relying solely on his own skills and preparation to navigate the rally's demanding course.

Josep Pedró's journey back to the Dakar Rally was not without obstacles. He revealed that the economic crisis significantly impacted his racing career. Specifically, the crisis me dejó sin patrocinadores (left him without sponsors), making it impossible to continue competing at the time.

Faced with this setback, Pedró shifted his focus to his family business. He dedicated himself to the charcuterías La Garriga, ensuring the continuity of the enterprise in Barcelona and Madrid. This period of dedication to the business allowed him to maintain stability while waiting for an opportunity to return to the sport he loves.

Josep Pedró exemplifies resilience, balancing the demands of a family charcuterie business with the rigorous preparation required for the Dakar Rally. His return to the race in the toughest category, after a hiatus caused by the loss of sponsors due to the crisis, highlights his determination. As he heads to Saudi Arabia to sleep in a tent and race without assistance, Pedró stands as a testament to perseverance in both business and sport.