Born to Whizz: Female Iranian Biker Fulfills Her Dreams

“My aim is to be the pioneer and inspire other women,” – one of the first Iranian female motorcycle racers, Behnaz Shafiei, said.

Above: Iranian motocross rider Behnaz Shafiei takes a break during a training session at a racetrack near the village of Baraghan, some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

The Iranian Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2012 allowed women to take part in motorcycle sports. But they do not have access to the country's best motocross tracks.

Above: Iranian motocross rider Behnaz Shafiei poses for a photo as she stretches her legs, while a male rider takes to the air at a racetrack at a sports complex on the outskirts of Hashtgerd, some 45 miles (73 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

A lot of women in Iran like motorcycle sports but have to conceal their hobby.

Above: Iranian motocross rider Behnaz Shafiei ascends on a hill during her training session, while two vehicles drive off-road in the Alborz mountain range near the village of Baraghan some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

Behnaz could only dream about taking part in a competition. Four years ago, she bought her own motorcycle. Earlier, she borrowed her brother's bike and rode stealthily.

Above: Behnaz Shafiei rides her motocross bike during her training session while fans watch riders at a racetrack near the village of Baraghan, some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

Women are still prohibited from driving motorcycles in public.

Above: Iranian Behnaz Shafiei rides her motocross bike during her training session at a racetrack in the Alborz mountain range near the village of Baraghan, some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

Behnaz Shafiei has received a lot of support from Elma, a friend of hers.

Elma Ajdari, center right with sunglasses, talks to motocross rider Behnaz Shafiei during Shafiei's training session at a racetrack near the village of Baraghan, some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

Curious citizens come to see her train – something still unusual for the Islamic Republic.

Above: Fans watch Iranian Behnaz Shafiei ride her motocross bike during a training session at a racetrack in the Alborz mountain range near the village of Baraghan, some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

“If I don’t drive my bike for two days, I feel sick. Just the very thought that I may lose it terrifies me,” – she said.

Above: Iranian motocross rider Behnaz Shafiei, left, prepares for a training session, standing by other riders at a racetrack near the village of Baraghan, some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

The 26-year-old has been driving a motorcycle for 15 years. She trains six days a week.

Above: Iranian motocross rider Behnaz Shafiei descends on a hill during her training session near the village of Baraghan, some 19 miles (30 kilometers) west of the capital Tehran, Iran.

Behnaz Shafiei is one of only six female racers who have gained access to amateur tracks in Iran.


Above: Behnaz Shafiei fills the tank of her motocross bike at a gas station near Hashtgerd, Iran, before a training session at a racetrack on the outskirts of the city, some 45 miles (73 kilometers) west of the capital, Tehran.