The young Chilean rider will take the start of the race aboard a KTM Rally Replica from the Club Aventura Tuareg team.
Son of the legendary Carlo de Gavardo, Tomás, born in 1999, grew up surrounded by bikes and dust, nurturing a passion for rally from an early age. After starting out in enduro and motocross, he made his international rally debut in 2019, building a solid career. In 2024, he made history by becoming the first South American to join the Fantic Rally Factory Team. Riding the XEF 450 Rally Factory, he competed in the Rally of Morocco and the 2025 Dakar, showing talent and determination. Now he has his sights set on the 2026 Dakar, with a clear goal: to break into the Top 20 and proudly represent Chile.
When asked what it means to be Carlo’s son, Tomás doesn’t hide his emotion: “It’s a huge source of pride. His memory is with me in every race, every time I get on the bike. It’s also a big responsibility, because so many people loved him and expect a lot from me. But I see it as a boost, an extra motivation. What really matters is carrying on his values: humility, commitment, and a love for the sport, especially for rallying.”
Speaking about the last Dakar, which he finished despite a wrist injury, he recalls an incredibly tough experience: “Yes. What kept me going was thinking about everything behind it: the effort of my family, the team, and all the people who support me. Mentally, I learned that there’s always something more to give, and that often the mind is stronger than the body. And in the end, that’s what Dakar is all about: resilience, heart, and the ability to never give up.”
Among his upcoming races is the FenekRally: “I approach this new adventure with a strong desire to gain experience, test myself in a different context and, why not, have fun. The goal remains the same: to learn, grow, and be better prepared for future challenges.” For this challenge, Tomás will race with a KTM Rally Replica provided by the Spanish team Club Aventura Tuareg, which will offer essential technical and logistical support. “Thanks to this collaboration, I’ll have a competitive bike that gives me the confidence to focus on navigation and race pace” says Tomás.
What’s the “behind the scenes” of a typical rally raid day? “I start early, with a good breakfast and my mind already focused on the day ahead. I have a little ritual while putting on my gear, a moment that helps me get into the right mindset. During the special stage I try to be precise, avoiding navigation mistakes and, especially in stage races, taking care of the bike. Once back at the bivouac, I try to eat properly, stretch, rest, and prepare everything for the next day. It’s a demanding routine, but it’s part of what makes rally so special, with that unique atmosphere you only find there.”
How does your work in journalism influence your approach to sport? “A lot, because it helps me communicate what I’m going through, to build a clearer connection with people and the media. It gives me a different, more thoughtful and aware perspective. These two sides complement each other and contribute to my growth as a person and an athlete.”
One last question. In addition to competing, you bring rally to Chilean students, speaking to young people about sport and determination. How do you see this role? “It’s a great honor. When I go to schools and see children get motivated through sport, I feel like I’m making a small contribution. I don’t want to be seen just as a rider, but as someone close to them, showing that with effort, discipline, and big dreams, you can move forward. On and off the track, I always try to stay true to myself: a simple person, eager to learn and to share everything rally has taught me.”
