Dakar 2011 Profile: Ronnie Bodinger

Name: Ronnie Bodinger
Competitor number: 103
Bike: Husaberg 450 2011 - prepped by Team Scandinavia
Age: 37
Dakar rallies: 0
Offroad rallies in the past: 2010 Tuareg Rally 10th position, 2008 Tuareg Rally 15th position
Familly: Girlfriend and two children
Profession: CTO within net/online banking industry
Citizenship: Swedish
Goal: To reach the finish - safe and sound!

Ronnie Bodinger hitting it off in the dunes!

Courtesy: Ronnie Bodinger

Always great to be able to introduce newcomers to the Dakar. Especially when they´re Swedish! And Ronnie Bodinger is ofcourse not entirely new to the game, but still, this is his first entrance in the most challenging desert- and offroad rally. His experience of desert environment comes primarily from his entrance and great achievements in the Tuareg Rallies. A 15th and a 10th position does say he has a clue on to what he is getting himself into on January 1st. According to himself the plan is to start smoothly, getting into the navigational aspect of the rally, adjusting to the South American nature and challenges. And to ride safe. Sounds like a plan to me!

Quite interesting is the fact that Ronnie works within the banking industry, don´t think there has been a whole lot of them guys riding on the dusty paths of the Dakar. Ronnie will be teaming up with Captain Thomas Berglund, last year 12th position, in Team Scandinavia and last years 2nd placement and pride Norwegian Pål Anders Ullevålseter. One might say Ronnie sure knows how to pick his team mates!

A somewhat relaxed Ronnie - in his SOE - Swedish Offroad Enthusiasts t-shirt!

Courtesy: Ronnie Bodinger

Family wise one of the chores on Ronnie´s list is to put his young girls to bed at night. And while he is gone his two daughter will receive a small little something each and every night to keep him in mind. What a sweet dad!

If you want to follow Ronnie's whereabouts during the 2011 Dakar rally, check in on his blog: Vägen till Dakar

Best of luck Ronnie, we wanna see you on that finishing podium in Buenos Aires on January 16th!


Couldn´t help noticing Ronnie has the "correct" spelling of his name, being within the banking industry and all. According to the Swedish Statistical Bureau (SCB), males with names spelled with an Y at the end, for instance, Ronny, Conny or Sonny appears statistically more often in the records of non-payment of debts.