bivouac of dakar It’s full of hidden stories to tell, not only to inspire others, but also to set an example and raise awareness about important issues. And what is more important than life and health? The story of a Czech couple Katerina Vanova and Petr Vana This is one of those speakers that you want as big as possible. On the other hand, there are some fun parts to this story. It’s the story of a couple who, to celebrate their honeymoon (they got married on September 12), decided to go to Dakar instead of resting on a paradisiacal beach or going on an African safari.

Katerina’s father was part of the team that built the truck for a former Czech driver. Jiri Moskal He was active in the 1980s and achieved two podiums at the Dakar (1987 and 1988). And he fell in love with the Dakar to the core, participating in two races as a team physio a few years ago. “I really wanted to try it out. So I said to Petr, ‘Hey, do you want to go to Dakar?’ And he said, ‘Why not?'” And that’s how we decided. ”revealed. In this way Vanova and waste they debut as a duo Dakar Classic 2026 behind the wheel toyota 4runner A classic that they themselves have reimagined for this occasion.

However, his challenge is dakar In this adventure, we go further than this fun anecdote of them taking part in this adventure together as a married couple, with her steering one day and him steering the other. This is a story of life, overcoming cancer, and fighting cancer.

Half a year ago Katerina was able to celebrate the most important victory in her lifewhich he achieved against two cancers.

“I was perfectly fine. I was 35 years old. I went for preventive tests. At the same time I was diagnosed with two tumors, one in the cervix and one in the breast. And there were no signs of it. There was nothing!” Prevention saved my life. I underwent nine surgeries and chemotherapy. That was six months ago. And I’m here, so I survived. Now I try to enjoy every day. ”he told this newspaper at his bivouac in Dakar.

“And I’m here because I survived. Now I try to enjoy every day.”

Katerina Vanova

His goal is to take advantage of the second chance life has given him. His desire to live the Dakar experience is therefore understandable. But he has something else more important to do. It’s about using his example to demonstrate that cancer prevention can save lives, especially among young people and people who believe they are healthy. Katerina She wants to share her story with the world and highlight how important it is for everyone – women, men, boys and girls – to get regular check-ups. That way, if you are suffering from this disease, you will be able to find out in a timely manner when you have a better chance of fighting and overcoming the disease.

For this reason, Katerina wants to promote the work carried out by the Czech Foundation. “Fuck you cancer.”is an organization that emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and supports people with this disease and their loved ones throughout the process.

“This association supports young people, but also children with cancer and many elderly people. But usually no one worries about young people between the ages of 15 and 50. If you’re over 40 years old, you probably don’t think you’ll get cancer. But you can get it. ” He explained this to the paper:

“That saved my life.”

“They discovered it first as a precaution. That saved my life, because if it hadn’t, it would have been very aggressive. I wouldn’t be here anymore.” They recognized it from several markers in the blood. “That saved my life.”he said.

“They discovered it first as a precaution. It saved my life, because if it hadn’t, it would have been very aggressive. I wouldn’t be here anymore.”

Katerina Vanova

In that sense, he added, one of the foundation’s tasks is to explain what cancer patients should do when they suffer from this disease. One of the important points he makes is a spiritual one.

“People think it’s the end of life. But you can survive. And being positive is very, very important. I’m not saying it’s easy. Absolutely not. And prevention can save lives. like me. I don’t know when he will come back. But if you think everything will be fine, everything will be fine, ”said Katerina.

“My goal is not to get divorced.”

Beyond important messages to society. Katerina, a speed enthusiast who competed in a skeleton car, and Petr, who has experience competing in professional cyclocross races, have a sporting goal of finishing with a series-spec car. “Our goal is to finish. We’re going with a car with stock suspension. Everything is original. So let’s say it’s bouncing all the time. But we’re learning our history and having fun.”he said between laughs. Above all else, he exclaimed with a laugh, “The first thing is not to get divorced in Dakar.” “Also, the car is good and the finish is good. Nothing more, nothing less.”

“Is it easy to become a couple in this situation? Oh yes. I think it’s very good to know each other better, because sometimes in our careers and in life we ​​face difficult situations.” My husband is 100% enthusiastic, as am I. Some days I drive, other days he drives (the other person acts as co-pilot). Take turns. So it’s fun,” he said next to Petr, his life partner and Dakar partner.