Gaston Rahier


Gaston Rahier was a Belgian professional motocross racer. He competed in the Motocross World Championships from 1967 to 1979. Rahier is notable for being a three-time FIM 125cc motocross world champion. After his motocross career, he became a successful Rally Raid competitor.

Career

Born Herve, Wallonia, Rahier was three-time FIM World Champion in the 125cc division, claiming the title in 1975, 1976 and 1977. He later went on to race in and win the famous Paris-Dakar rally for BMW motorcycles, in 1984 and 1985. At the end of that last year he was named, alongside long-distance runner Vincent Rousseau, as the Belgian Sportsman of the Year. Rahier is a Paris-Dakar legend, once referred to as "The little man with the giant reputation." Rahier died in Paris after a long battle with cancer.