Well that explains it, Jane Daniels will not defend her Women’s World Enduro Championship for Fantic Racing because she is having a baby, opening the door for new women’s champion in 2024.

Enduro21 had already spotted the four-times champion was absent from the entry list for the opening round of the 2024 FIM EnduroGP World Championship this weekend in Fafe, Portugal. And had asked a few questions of Fantic to understand what the British rider was up to but got no answers until now.

The answer, and the reason why communications were quiet, is because Jane and her partner Albert are expecting their first child.

In a heartfelt statement, Jane Daniels says, “While it’s still early days, I believe I should be open and honest about my situation as you won’t see me lining up this weekend to chase my fifth World Enduro title at the EnduroGP in Portugal.”

The news therefore leaves the women’s world title open for a new champion this season and it will be one of the hottest to watch with a potential long list of riders capable of stringing a season together. Honda RedMoto’s Francesca Nocera, Rieju’s duo of Mireia Badia and Rosie Rowett, Sherco’s Nieve Holmes and US rider Rachael Gutish, Scandinavians Marie Holt and Emilie Nilsson and experienced Frenchwoman Justine Martel all start this opening weekend.

Brand ambassador role

Daniels continues to be linked with Fantic as a brand ambassador. Fantic say she will continue to actively engage with her team, sponsors, and fans, fulfilling PR duties and representing sponsors.

“The support from my team and sponsors has been fantastic. I am overwhelmed with their positivity and this is enabling me to still be very active within the industry, fulfilling my PR and Brand Ambassador roles.

“I will still be attending British enduro events throughout the year and the Enduro GP in Wales, but for this year, as a spectator on the opposite side of the tapes. To finish 2023 as British Champion, World Champion and the success we had in Dakar 2024, to then follow it with this amazing news, my partner, Albert, my family, and I, could not be more happy!”

From everyone at Enduro21, congrats Jane!

Photo Credit: Fantic Racing