Category: Elisabete

The most radical woman adventurer

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Elisabete Jacinto challenged a men’s world for several years while taking part in the most difficult motocross competitions for motorbikes all over the world. However, for this geography teacher who only at 24 learnt how to ride a two wheel vehicle (and planning nothing more than to use it in everyday life) her main challenge has always been herself, since she believes will-power and tenacity are enough to remove all barriers.

And that was her motto to overcome every difficulty and not only becoming the first Portuguese woman to dare facing the mythical Paris Dakar on a motorcycle but also heroically reaching the end of the race and, above all, being the first among women, when some of these had enormous feats in their résumés and were part of professional teams.

Motorcycles were succeeded by cars and again she won international competitions among women.

However, great challenges are still welcome by Elisabete Jacinto’s internationally recognized tenacity and, three months after obtaining her driving license for trucks, she was at the starting point for the 25th edition of Dakar (2003) driving a lorry, the sort of vehicle which has a fantastic competitive space in the African rally but from which women kept away for many years.

Then, in 2004, Elisabete becomes not only one of the first women to finish the Paris-Dakar rally at the steering wheel of a lorry but also the first woman to actually winning a special interim classification in the category during Rallye Optic Tunisie 2000.

Since then she has been permanently working to progress at the levels of driving, technically preparing her truck and organizing a team of which she is very proud. About 40% of her truck’s technical preparation is at present made in Portugal.

Though her experience in competitions has also had several particularly difficult moments, Elisabete does not throw the towel and she proceeds to the top in general classification at all the different races she enters.

2004 History

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tira_historial_2004

Elisabete enters the Paris-Dakar Rally for the second time with a truck – a Renault Kerax 4×4.

When she finished this rally (in 26th place) she became one of the first women in the World to have managed to do so.

Her success motivates her to take part in other World Cup competitions. One of these is the Rallye Optic Tunisie, and she becomes the first woman in the World to win a special streak driving a truck.

She finishes this rally as runner-up in the truck category.

In spite of the success, Elisabete and Renault Trucks decide to cut the sports season short in order to make mechanical improvements in the truck, particularly at suspensions and engine levels.

Following an invitation by Alberto Gonçalves, she enters Rallye Aicha des Gazelles for the second time with Sofia Carvalhosa in a Renault Kangoo.

Elisabete’s aim was to win in the SUV category, but a penalty wrongly imposed by the organization classifies her as runner-up.

 

Elisabete Jacinto

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beta_01A mais radical das aventureiras
Durante vários anos Elisabete Jacinto desafiou o universo masculino, competindo em moto nas mais difíceis competições de todo-o-terreno, disputadas em diversos continentes. Todavia, para esta professora de Geografia que apenas aos 24 anos de idade aprendeu a pilotar uma máquina de duas rodas e apenas com o intuito de dela se servir para o dia-a-dia, o maior desafio foi sempre consigo própria, acreditando que a vontade e tenacidade superam todas as barreiras.

E foi sob esse lema que, passando por cima de todas as dificuldades, não só se atreveu a ser a primeira portuguesa a enfrentar o mítico Paris-Dakar em moto, acrescentando-lhe a proeza de concluir a prova mas, mais do que isso, conseguindo triunfar entre as Senhoras, contra adversárias detentoras de um enorme palmarés e integradas em equipas profissionais.

Às motos, sucederam-se os carros e o retomar das vitórias internacionais entre as Senhoras.
Mas os grandes desafios continuam a encontrar eco na tenacidade internacionalmente reconhecida de Elisabete Jacinto e, três meses depois de ter obtido a carta de condução de pesados, apresentou-se à partida, para a edição das bodas de prata do Dakar (2003), instalada aos comandos de um Camião, um tipo de máquina que encontra na prova africana uma magnífico espaço para competição, mas da qual as mulheres se mantiveram afastadas durante largos anos.

É em 2004 que Elisabete não só se torna numa das primeiras mulheres do Mundo a concluir o rali Paris-Dakar conduzindo um camião como se transforma na primeira mulher a ganhar uma especial nesta categoria no Rallye Optic Tunisie 2000.

Desde então tem levado a cabo um trabalho contínuo tendo feito progressos ao nível da condução, preparação técnica do seu camião e organização de equipa do qual muito se orgulha. Cerca de 40% da preparação técnica do seu camião é, actualmente, feita em Portugal.

Apesar da sua experiência na competição ter sido também marcada por alguns momentos particularmente difíceis, Elisabete não baixa os braços e ruma em direcção ao topo da classificação geral das mais variadas competições onde participa.

Elisabete Jacinto – Cross-Country Driver

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beta_curriculumElisabete Jacinto
Date of birth: 8th June 1964
Marital Status: Married
Place of birth: Montijo
Living in: Lisbon/Benfica

Studies:

Graduated in Geography at Faculdade de Letras, Universidade de Lisboa in 1987.
Post-graduation in Geography Teaching.

Jobs:

Geography teacher (not exercised at present).
Cross-country driver.

AUTHOR OF SCHOOL BOOKS:

“Guia de Aprendizagem de Geografia” (Volumes I and II) for the subject of Ciências Sociais e Formação Cívica studied at Evening School. Written with co-author Eduarda Pina (1995). Published by Plátano Editora.

“Guia de Aprendizagem de Ciências do Ambiente, Unidade 3 – A Terra em Transformação”, for Basic School pupils with learning difficulties (1996). Co-author Maria Eduarda Pina. Published by Plátano Editora.

“Guia de Aprendizagem de Ciências do Ambiente, Unidade 6 – A Terra em Movimento”, for Basic School pupils with learning difficulties (1996). Co-author Maria Eduarda Pina. Published by Plátano Editora.

“Guia de Aprendizagem de Ciências do Ambiente, Unidade 8 – Elementos Climáticos e Factores que os Condicionam”, for Basic School pupils with learning difficulties (1997). Co-author Maria Eduarda Pina. Published by Plátano Editora.

“Guia de Aprendizagem de Ciências do Ambiente, Unidade 9 – O Clima como factor do Ambiente”, for Basic School pupils with learning difficulties (1997). Co-author Maria Eduarda Pina. Published by Plátano Editora.”Ciências Sociais e Formação Cívica – Guia de Aprendizagem”, Units 5, 6, 7 and 8. Co-authors Margarida Sequeira, Maria Adelaide Soares and Maria Eduarda Pina (1998). Published by Plátano Editora.

“Ciências Sociais e Formação Cívica – Guia de Aprendizagem”, Units 9, 10, 11 and 12. Co-authors Margarida Sequeira, Maria Adelaide Soares and Maria Eduarda Pina (1998). Published by Plátano Editora.

AUTHOR OF COMIC STRIP BOOKS

“Os Portugas no Dakar” (Portugeese at the Dakar), Volume 1, co-author Luís Pinto Coelho, published by Plátano Editora, 2003.

“Os Portugas no Dakar” (Portugeese at the Dakar), Volume 2, co-author Luís Pinto Coelho, published by Plátano Editora, 2007.

“Irina no Master Rali” (Irina at the Master Rally), Plátano Editora, 2010

LECTURER

She deals with subjects connected with her sports activity in schools, universities and firms.

DECORATIONS and DISTINCTIONS

Ordem do Mérito (Order of Merit) – Granted by His Excellency the President of the Republic

Diploma de Mérito Desportivo (Diploma of Merit in Sports) – Federação Nacional de Motociclismo (National Federation of Motorcycling)

Diploma de Mérito de Barca da Aldegalega (Diploma of Merit from Barca da Aldegalega) – Junta de Freguesia do Montijo (Small Constituency in Montijo)

Diploma de reconhecimento por serviços prestados (Diploma recognizing relevant services) – Região de Turismo da Costa Azul (Blue Coast Tourist Region)

“Prestígio” (Prestige) Prize – Federação Portuguesa de Automobilismo e Karting (Portuguese Federation of Car Racing and Karting)

Distinguished by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Anibal Cavaco Silva in the Celebration of the 10th of June in 2014.

Reception by the President of the Portuguese Republic, Professor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, 2019

Montijo County Gold Medal, 2019

SPORTS RÉSUMÉ IN MOTORCYCLES

TITLES

1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Winner of the Ladies’ Trophy in the National Motocross Championship

1999, 2000, 2001
1st Woman in the Motocross World Cup

INTERNATIONAL RACES

1994
Winner of the Ladies’ Cup in Baja de Alta Alcarria (Spain)

Winner of the Ladies’ Cup in Baja de Aragón (Spain)

1995
Winner of the Ladies’ Cup in Baja de Alta Alcarria (Spain)

1996
Winner of the Ladies’ Cup in Baja de Alta Alcarria (Spain)

1997
Baja de Alta Alcarria (Spain):

1st in the Ladies’ Cup
5th in Class 4
13th in General Classification

Baja España Aragón (Spain):

1st in the Ladies’ Cup
3rd in the less than 400cc Class
13th in General Classification

Received a merit in sports distinction

Rallye Optic Tunisie (Tunisia):

Runner-up lady
2nd in the less than 400cc Marathon Class
52nd in General Classification

1998
Rallye Paris Granada Dakar:
Took Part

Rallye Optic Tunisie (Tunisia):Runner-up lady
1st in the 250cc Class
60th in General Classification

Rallye Atlas Savane (Morocco):
Runner-up lady
3rd in the up to 250cc Class
47th in General Classification

Rallye Alta Alcarria (Spain):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
3rd in the up to 250cc Class
13th in General Classification

Baja Aragón (Spain):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
6th in the up to 250cc Class
15th in General Classification

Montes de Cuenca (Spain):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
35th in General Classification

UAE Desert Challenge (United Arab Emirates):
67th in the General Classification

1999
Rallye Granada Dakar:
Took Part

Tunisian Rally:
3rd in the Ladies’ Cup
64th in General Classification

Master Rally:
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
8th in General Classification

Baja Telecel 1000:
1st in the Ladies’ Cup

Montes de Cuenca (Spain):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
8th in General Classification

UAE Desert Challenge (United Arab Emirates):
Took Part
World Cup Classification:
1st Among Ladies
13th in General Classification

2000
Rallye Dakar Cairo:
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
49th in General Classification

Tunisian Rally:
Took Part

“Trophée Optic 2000 de L’Exploit”

Master Rally:
Took Part

UAE Desert Challenge (United Arab Emirates):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
8th in General Classification

World Cup Classification:
1st Among Ladies
25th in General Classification

2001
Rallye Paris Dakar:
Runner-up in the Ladies’ Cup
56th in General Classification

Montes de Cuenca (Spain):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
9th in General Classification
Baja Aragón (Spain):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
13th in General Classification
UAE Desert Challenge (United Arab Emirates):
1st in the Ladies’ Cup
4th in General Classification

World Cup Classification:
1st Among Ladies
13th in General Classification
2000
1st Woman in the Motocross World Cup
SPORTS RÉSUMÉ IN CARS

2000
Baja TT Optiroc:
Took Part

2001
3 Hours CC Compaq:
Runner-up in Jimny Cup
1st Ladies Team

Baja Telecel 1000:
16th in Jimny Cup
1st Ladies Team


24 Hours CC Vodafone:
16th in Jimny Cup
23rd in General Classification

2002
3 Hours CC Accenture:
10th in Jimny Cup
30th in General Classification


Lameirinho / Serras do Norte CC Rally:
12th in Jimny Cup
32nd in General Classification

Baja España Aragón:
Runner-up in the Ladies’ Cup (driving a Toyota Land Cruiser/T2)
16th in T2 rank
42nd in General Classification
Esporão Vindimas CC Rally:
6th in Jimny Cup

Master Rally:
1st in the Ladies’ Cup (driving a Toyota Land Cruiser/T2)
6th in T2 rank
23rd in General Classification

2003
Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles:
Winner in SUV rank (driving a Renault Kangoo)

2004
Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles:
Runner-up in SUV rank (driving a Renault Kangoo)

2006
Orpi Morocco Rally:
Took Part (driving a Bowler Wildcat)

SPORTS RÉSUMÉ IN TRUCKS

2003
Telefónica Dakar Rally:
Took Part (driving a Mercedes)

2004
Telefónica Dakar Rally:
26th in General Classification (driving a Renault Kerax)

Rallye Optic 2000 Tunisie:
Runner-up in General Classification (driving a Renault Kerax)
(1st in General Classification at the 5th round)

2005
Telefónica Dakar Rally:
24th in General Classification (driving a Renault Kerax)
Rallye Orpi Marroc:
3rd in General Classification (driving a Renault Kerax)
AMV Shamrock Rally:
1st in General Classification (driving a Renault Kerax)

2006
Lisboa-Dakar Rally:
Took Part (driving a Renault Kerax)

AMV Shamrock Rally:
Took Part (driving a MAN M2000)

2007
Lisboa-Dakar Rally:
21st in General Classification (driving a MAN M2000)
7th in the Trucks with Less than 10 000cc class

Optic 2000 Tunisie Rally:
2nd in General Classification (driving a MAN M2000)

AMV Shamrock Rally:
1st in General Classification (driving a MAN M2000)

2008
Rallye Aïcha de Gazelles (Morocco):
2nd in General Classification (driving a MAN M2000)

Tunisian Rally:
2nd in General Classification  (driving a MAN M2000)
1st in the Trucks With Less than 10 cc Class

AMV Shamrock (Morocco):
Took Part (driving a MAN M2000)

2009
Dakar-Argentina-Chile Rally:
Took Part (driving a MAN M2000)

Shamrock Rally (Morocco):
2nd in General Classification (driving a MAN TGS)

2010
Africa Race Rally:
Took Part (driving a MAN TGS)

Tunisian Rally:
1st in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
8th in the General Car/Truck Classification

Moroccan Rally:
1st in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
11th in the General Car/Truck Classification

2011
Africa Eco Race Rally:
2nd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
7th in the General Car/Truck Classification

Tunisian Rally:
1st in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
8th in the General Car/Truck Classification

2012
Africa Eco Race Rally:
2nd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
4th in the General Car/Truck Classification

Aïcha Des Gazelles Rally:
3rd in the General Classification (driving a VW Amarok)

Baja de Aragón:
2nd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)

Moroccan Rally:
3rd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
13th in the General Car/Truck Classification

2013
Africa Eco Race Rally:
3rd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
7th in the General Car/Truck Classification

Aïcha Des Gazelles Rally:
11th in the General Classification of Car/Trucks (driving a VW Amarok)

Baja de Aragón:
2nd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)

Moroccan Rally:
1st in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
17th in the General Car/Truck Open Classification

2014
Africa Eco Race Rally:
3rd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
7th in the General Car/Truck Classification

Rali Aïcha des Gazelles:
2nd in the General Classification of Car/Trucks (driving a VW Amarok)

Moroccan Rally:
4th in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
10th in the General Car/Truck Open Classification

2015
Africa Eco Race Rally:
4th in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
11th in the General Car/Truck Classification

Rali Aïcha des Gazelles:
6th in the General Classification of Expert Class (driving a VW Amarok)

Moroccan Rally:
12th in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
24th in the General Car/Truck Open Classification

 2016
Africa Eco Race Rally:
3rd in the General Classification of Trucks (driving a MAN TGS)
14th in the General Car/Truck Classification

Rali Aïcha des Gazelles:
5th in the General Classification of Expert Class (driving a VW Amarok)

Libya Rally:
Took Part

2017
Africa Eco Race Rally
Took Part in the

Morocco Desert Challenge Rally:
3rd Place in the Truck Class Classification

Oilibya du Maroc Rally:
Took Part

2018
Africa Eco Race Rally
Took Part in the

Morocco Desert Challenge Rally:
7rd Place in the Truck Class Classification

2019
Africa Eco Race Rally:
1st place in the Truck General Classification (driving a MAN TGS),
5th place in the Car/Truck General

HOBBIES:

Recreational Diving:
Master Scuba Diver, PADI, 2009
Divemaster, PADI, 2010

Photography

EXPERIENCES:

Parachuting Course
Blue Emotion Parachuting School, 2007

Mountaineering
Climbing Mont Blanc with success, in an activity promoted by the French Government when it assumed the European Union Government. 2008.

2013 History

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tira_historial_2013

As in the previous season, Elisabete Jacinto takes part in competitions with the MAN TGS truck, and the navigator is José Marques, and the mechanic, Marco Cochinho.

The season began with the Africa Eco Race Rally, where there were rather competitive trucks. The team got third place among trucks and was seventh in the Car/Truck joint classification.

Once again, they entered Baja de Aragón, where they managed to be second in the truck category, and they finished the season with a brilliant first place among several prototype trucks in the Oilibya du Maroc Rally.

During the season there were training sessions in Morocco, bearing in mind the continuous technical improvement of the MAN TGS.

Elisabete also took part in the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, driving an Amarock, once again in the VW France Team, and having the French woman Valérie Dot as navigator.

They led the competition from the first day but, when there were only thirty kilometers to the finishing line, a mechanical problem made them lose places, and they were eleventh.

 

2012 History

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tira_historial_2012

Having finished the Africa Eco Race with an excellent second place among trucks and fourth in the Car/Truck classification, the team felt the need to technically improve the truck.

Therefore, the performance of the engine was enhanced, the tanks were raised to better allow going over the crests of dunes, a cabin support system was created, and the exit angle and suspensions were improved.

The truck also changed in appearance, with the new logo of the Oleoban brand.

Instead of the usual Tunisian rally (which did not take place this year),  the team entered the Baja de Aragón and is second among trucks and seventh in the Car/Truck general classification. There followed the Moroccan rally, where once again they had to face really competitive trucks, and they finished in third place.

The year 2012 also included Elisabete taking part in the main navigation rally in the world, the Aϊcha des Gazelles Rally. She was invited to enter the Volkswagen team, which had 10 Pick-up Amarock in it. She teamed with Sofia Carvalhosa and was third in the Car/Truck classification.

It was a good sports year for the whole team!

 

2014 History

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tira_historial_2014

The year 2014 began with the Oleoban team entering the Africa Eco Race Rally.

At the last streak Elisabete drops from second to third place in the Truck category due to a problem in the front transmission of her MAN, driving the last 60km with just two-wheel drive.

With Valérie Dot she takes part in the Aicha des Gazelles Rally, driving a VW Amarock, and finishes second in the 4×4/Truck category.

In the Moroccan Rally she competes with several prototype trucks and finishes fourth in the Truck category. This year, Hydraplan, Lisbon MAN concessionary, moved to another venue, and that reflected in the need for a new workshop.

A new cargo box, more functional and resistant, was built for the assistance truck.

The competition truck also had its cargo box replaced with a lighter one and having better aerodynamic performance.

2011 History

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tira_historial_2011

The 2011 sports season begins with Africa Eco Race.

Happy to go back to the big African marathon, the team gets to the end of this rally for the first time, being second among trucks and seventh in the car/truck joint classification.

The beginning of 2011 was a time of distress, with revolution in many North African countries.

The Tunisian rally was in danger of not taking place but, to give a sort of affidavit to the newly formed democracy, both the organization and the teams made an effort to be present.

The rally was held as normally as possible.

The result obtained by the MAN TGS was first place among trucks and eighth in the car/truck classification.

At the Moroccan rally the team had to deal with a vast number of prototype trucks and strong competition. It held its own with teamDeRooy and finished in third place, first among regular trucks.

At the end of the year Elisabete decides to change the configuration of the suspension buffer springs, in order to become more competitive. She asks ELO to produce buffer springs capable of improving the suspension in her truck, and she starts preparing for the next season.

 

2010 History

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tira_historial_2010

The team starts the 2010 season with Africa Race.

Although her performance is excellent and she is very happy to return to the great African marathon, Elisabete has to quit due to mechanical problems.

The first part of the year is then dedicated to make the truck reliable and to adapt it for competition.

Elisabete enters the Tunisian rally with one of the best truck navigators in the World, Charly Gotlib, and her sports results become noticeable.

She wins in the truck category and gets eighth place among cars.

At the Moroccan rally Elisabete confirms her good level and the excellent work of her team, winning again among trucks and being within the first eleven cars.

 

2009 History

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tira_historial_2009

This year the Dakar Rally takes place in South America for the first time and its name becomes “Dakar Argentina-Chile”.

Elisabete sets out to the new Continent with her team and in the first day of the rally gets an excellent 11th place in the general classification.

However, during the fifth streak her truck caught fire.

The dense clouds of dust and the degradation of the soil, causing cars to stop on the trail, were at the origin of her colliding with the back of Ivan Muller’s buggy, and that led to the complete burning of both vehicles.

Elisabete acquires a new truck, the MAN TGS, and dedicates the year 2009 to prepare it.

In June she goes to Morocco for some tests, but it was at the Moroccan rally that she first tried her TGS in competition.

She won to specials and was second among trucks.

It was also in 2009 that Elisabete decided to return to Africa for the Africa Race Rally, instead of taking part in the Dakar Rally, as she had done for 10 years.