His passion began up on a motorcycle, but an accident changed his course and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps, Alejandro. That was how JUan Cruz Yacopini ventured to compete in which the most difficult race in the world is considered the Dakar Rally.
Born in Mendoza, Argentina, Cruz Yacopini, 25, decided to challenge the hot desert, and already adds five Dakar in his career.
“I ran on a motorcycle when I was little, but in 2017 I had an accident. I come from a family related to the cars, since my dad ran 10 Dakar and, after the incident, could not compete, but wanted and needed to run into something; The closest thing was was a truck and I loved it, so I became professional in this, thanks to my father ”, commented.
The corridor, who belongs to Puma Energy Rally Team and in the 2025 edition managed to end in the seventh position of his categoryit feels proud of what is achieved in a competition that requires a lot of strength, both physical and mental.
“It is known as the toughest race in the world, since it competes at a very high level, where we take the body and mind to the limit at each stage, and we must administer all resources, both physical and psychological, and take care of the car to avoid inconvenience. This year it went well, and I am very happy and proud for what we achieved, ”said the South American.
Juan shares a team with the Guatemalan Francisco Arredondo, who ran his Dakar number 17 on motorcycleand said that having Fran in the squad is important, since, apart from being an example as an athlete, he transmits confidence and good vibes to Puma Energy Rally Team.
“Fran is a warm, very friendly person, with an experience that very few pilots have in the world. Being with him in the team is superimporting, since he is a person who has a good aura, good vibes; It is special to be able to have it in the Puma Energy Rally, ”he said.
Comfortable in Guatemala
The Argentine pilot had the opportunity to visit Guatemala for the first time, and was comfortable, highlighting the love he has received from people; In addition, he had the opportunity to visit Antigua Guatemala, a place of which he was amazed.
“I feel supercontent. People are very friendly. I met old Guatemala and I loved it. I’m going to repeat the visit; I liked gastronomy, but I was very surprised by the warmth of people,” he said.
Juan Cruz Yacopini will return to his country to continue the preparation, already thinking about arriving in good condition to the Dakar Rally of 2026, but first he will participate in some world cups and in competitions in his Argentine native.
“In the short term, we will be in different races. I am following two world championships And I will also run in Argentina, continuing the preparation always thinking for the Dakar Rally of 2026, ”he concluded.
