Mireia Badia, the reigning Enduro Women world champion, has announced she will not be defending her title this season and is retiring from racing.

Since getting on a bike for the first time, following her family's passion, Mireia never imagined that this hobby would take her to the pinnacle of world enduro. Now, after a career full of success, challenges, and ultimately an impressive record including a world title and nine Spanish Championships, the 28-year-old Catalan rider is hanging up her helmet–although she will remain connected to the enduro world she loves so much.

Enduro21 talks to Badia to learn the reasons behind her decision, revisit the most memorable moments of her career, and discover what the future holds. An honest conversation with a true champion who has left her mark on enduro and fulfilled the dream of lifting the world champion trophy.

We thought you would defend your world champion title and go for your 10th national championship.

“Yeah, yeah, people have told me that about the Spanish championship before, but well, you never know...”

Is this a definitive goodbye or just a ‘see you later’?

“Well, last year I already intended for it to be my final year, and I had made up my mind. But I didn’t want to leave feeling like I hadn’t given my all to try and win the world championship, so I told myself, ‘Let’s go for it one more year and see what happens!’

However, the decision was already made before the year ended. I’ve been in this for a long time, and once I won the world championship, given that there isn’t much financial support, I felt it was the right moment to stop.”

Is it due to the lack of support for women’s sports?

“It’s tough. Enduro isn’t a very media-friendly sport, and maybe that’s why sponsors and brands aren’t as interested in supporting it. But this isn’t just a problem for women’s enduro in Spain—guys struggle with it too.

“There are many riders who don’t compete in the world championship because they don’t have financial support here, so they can only afford to race in the national series. It’s not just a women’s issue, though it is a challenging sport.”

Would you have continued if you had more support?

“No, the decision was already made. It’s been many years of investing money, time, and effort. And since we haven’t really seen many improvements, this was a decision I had already taken.

“My plan in 2023 was to finish the year and retire, but then I extended it for another season. I had been thinking about it for a while because the reward for all that effort wasn’t really what it should have been.”

Despite that, you’re leaving having achieved your dream of being the 2024 Enduro Women World Champion.

“Yes, absolutely. I had talked about it with my people, and I had said, ‘Imagine if I had quit last year and hadn’t achieved this!’ I’m super happy that I raced for another year, won the world championship, and made all that effort worthwhile.”

You’ve joined the ‘champions club’ alongside Laia Sanz and Jane Daniels. Did you ever imagine that?

“No, honestly, I hadn’t. And even now, I still look up to them as my idols. It’s like you don’t really think of yourself as being important, or realize that you might have inspired other girls, or that you’ve become a role model for them.”

Did it take you a while to believe it?

“Yeah, at some point, yes. The people around me would say the same thing. I guess I had the potential, but maybe I just lacked a bit of confidence in myself. Although last year… I don’t know what happened, but I finally started believing in myself! (laughs)”

On social media, you said ‘see you soon.’ Does that mean you’ll still be involved in enduro?

“In 2024, Rieju offered me a job, and I was helping Miquel García [Rieju’s Team Manager] at the races. So, I’ll continue with them, helping with travel, management, and logistics for riders and sponsors.”

That’s quite different from psychology...

“When I finished my degree, I had to choose between motorcycles or a job because, in enduro, you leave on a Wednesday and return on Monday, and not many jobs give you that kind of freedom. Then there are races like the ISDE, where you’re away for almost two weeks.

“If I wanted to continue in the world championship, I had to choose one or the other. I had jobs that weren’t related to psychology, but because my boss also rode motorcycles, he would let me take some days off to go to races. Then the Rieju opportunity came along. I’ve never actually worked as a psychologist because it was too difficult to balance.”

Tell us about your long journey to becoming world champion.

“I started riding with my parents, who were also enduro enthusiasts. My brother rode, so they got me a bike too. We started doing ‘endurets’ [kids’ enduro races] in Catalonia with Motorgas. They were the first to help me. Later, I moved on to enduro races and endurance competitions. I went to every race I could.

“In 2016, Motorgas suggested I race in the Spanish Championship, and from there, everything followed—World Championship, Six Days… until today! In recent years, since 2021, I’ve been with Rieju. It was the only way I could continue racing, and they helped me a lot.”

Rieju gave you the opportunity to be part of a factory team.

“Yes, the major support, so to speak, came when I signed with Rieju.”

It’s been nearly a decade of hard work and effort that most people don’t see. Are you leaving with a good feeling?

“Yes, and I’ve had a great time, both with my team and the RFME team, and with everyone in the paddock. I’m leaving satisfied with everything I’ve achieved—nine Spanish championships, which is no small feat! And in the end, also the long-awaited world title—winning it means I’m leaving through the front door.”

Will you still race smaller events, or is this the end of your career as a rider?

“For now, I consider it closed. I’ll keep riding and training, but no competing. It has been a huge challenge balancing elite sports with personal and professional life.

“Racing is tough because, in the end, you need money to train, and if you’re not earning a salary from motorcycles, you have to work and find a way to balance everything. You have to work eight hours, train, and have a social life… and that’s pretty difficult.”

Does women’s sport need more support?

“Yes, especially at the global level. In Spain, it’s clear that there’s a lack of support for everyone, but internationally, you really notice the difference in how brands support women. Under the factory team tents, you mostly see men, except for Rieju, who has helped Rosie [Rowett] and me. The rest of the women have to pay to compete in the world championship, and there’s hardly any support. It’s tough to race at the world level.”

It will be strange not seeing you in the tests this year...

“I’ve already come to terms with it. Since I made the decision a while ago, now I just tell myself, ‘It’s done!’ It was difficult at first, but now I’ve fully accepted it.”

Will we still see you in the paddock at some races?

“Yes, of course. At the EnduroGP World Championship in Oliana, since it’s close to home, I’ll definitely be there. And I’ll also be at the national races in Catalonia.”

Photo Credit: Future7Media