A North Yorkshire based linesman who climbs heights to keep the power on for 8 million customers has his sights on competing in the Dakar Rally, part of the World Rally-Raid Championship.
Twenty-seven-year-old Robbie Wallace, who works for Northern Powergrid, first began riding at the age of eight and competed in his first race at 11 years old.
The enduro expert who competes nationally and internationally against professional riders on top of his regular day job, started riding on a KTM sx 85cc in 2009 at Woodhouse, Great Ayton,
With support from his family, father Duncan, a Resource Engineering Manager and brother Tom, an Engineer, both also working for Northern Powergrid, Robbie has successfully competed in the British Sprint and British Enduro XC Championships and many rallies oversees.
His impressive portfolio spans the Morocco Desert Challenge 2019, Hispania Rally 2021, Hellas Rally 2021, Portalegre 500 2021, FIM Qatar Baja 2022, FIM Hungary Baja World Cup 2022, Africa Eco Race 2022, Hellas Rally 2023, FIM Qatar Baja World Cup 2023 and the World Rally Raid Championship RUTA 40 – with the latter earning him a coveted entry spot in the prestigious Dakar Rally.
The RUTA 40, held in Argentina, was his first world championship cross-country event and he needed to significantly step up a gear as he was competing with the best professionals from around the globe.
Across the five-day event Robbie endured racing in early morning freezing temperatures and blistering midday heat as he covered up to 300+ miles a day across the open desert.
Battling against the elements and people at the top level, Robbie hit speeds of over 100mph to finish 15th overall and sixth in class, accomplishing his goal of qualifying for the renowned Dakar Rally – joining only 130 people worldwide to achieve qualification status.
Robbie, alongside his day job of working across the region as an Overhead Linesman, maintaining overhead electricity power lines to keep the power on for 3.9million homes and businesses, secured qualification in July and is now in training to take on the mighty 8,000km rally in Saudi Arabia in January 2025.
Speaking about the race of his life, he said: “It’s staggering to think that I have been selected as one of only 130 people across the globe to get onto the start line of the hardest and most famous rally in the world.
“As one of the very few British riders taking part, I look forward to representing my country in 12 stages of racing, across 14 days, in the Saudi Arabian sand and heat.”
“This has been a five-year process and Dakar has been my dream since I was a small boy. I’d like to thank my sponsors and employer, Northern Powergrid, for supporting my passion and hopefully I can cross the finish line - a different ‘lin
e’ to my day job, but just as important!”
Andy Bilclough, Northern Powergrid’s Director of Field Operations said: “We’re incredibly proud of Robbie and his achievements and wish him the best of luck.
“Robbie’s role as an Overhead Linesman sees him safely climb heights to keep the power flowing for our customers and his racing career will take him to new heights as he competes against some of the best riders in the world.
“With safety at the forefront of our business and ensuring colleagues are equipped to perform their role, Northern Powergrid is pleased to fund Robbie’s new race helmet for the rally; something we hope will put him head and shoulders above his competitors, and keep him safe.
“Robbie is testament to our people right across the business who have a range of unique and diver
se talents, in and outside of work, and we’re very happy to be a sponsor to help Robbie achieve his goal.”
Robbie will compete in the 14-day Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia between 3 and 17 January 2025 and is currently seeking additional sponsors. Keep up-to-speed with his adventures at www.facebook.com/robbiewallacerallying and on Instagram @robbie.wallace_
Careers at Northern Powergrid
If you’re inspired by Robbie’s passion for climbing new heights, visit www.northernpowergrid.com/careers to power your own career.
Photographs courtesy of: ©Robbie Wallace.
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