Newsroom | MarketersMEDIA Newswire

January 8, 2026

Aliyyah Koloc completes stage 4 in 35th as Buggyra trucks secure top-10 finishes in the Dakar marathon stage

Martin Šoltys, together with Vlastimil Miksch and Tomáš Šikola, finished in 4th place, extending the upward trend of the last few days. Karel Poslední, joined by Petr Schweiner and Filip Škrobánek, bounced back from yesterday’s issues to finish 9th. In the Ultimate category, Aliyyah Koloc finished in 35th position after starting deep in the field and Martin Koloc did not finish the stage due to a gearbox issue. The marathon stage format doesn’t allow mechanical assistance, requiring the crews to make any repairs themselves before continuing the stage tomorrow. Šoltys’s crew ran close to the front throughout, and the split times showed a consistent pace even in the faster sections. However, a small navigation incident can translate into a time loss. “It was faster but much more demanding for navigation today,” Martin Soltys said. “We made one mistake which resulted in missing a 15-minute waypoint. But there was so much traffic and dust out there that we decided not to turn back.” For everyone, the defining challenge of the day was navigating in extreme dust. “In some sections it wasn’t unusual to slow down or even to stop for a moment just to be able to read the tracks safely and judge the right direction. In the canyons, the dust was basically hanging in the air because there was no wind,” Martin Koloc explained. “I’m disappointed with our result today, but I’m really happy for Aliyyah. She finally could complete a full stage,” Martin Koloc added. Both Buggyra vehicles in the Ultimate category now face elimination under the 2026 regulations after r failing to finish two stages. A third non-finish will result in disqualification from the rally. The Dakar Rally continues on Thursday with stage 5, running from the marathon bivouac to the finish in Ha’il, covering 371 kilometers of timed special stage and 56 kilometers of liaison. https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

January 7, 2026

Sports

Phyt Lab Announces a New Era of Luxury Performance Wear

Phyt Lab is introducing a new standard in fitness fashion by merging refined design with high-performance functionality. Founded by Amanda Bodette, the brand was conceived not as another athletic apparel line, but as a movement, one that eliminates the divide between power and polish. When Bodette first envisioned Phyt Lab, luxury was not separate from athleticism, but an evolution of it. The result is a brand rooted in the belief that performance wear can deliver both technical capability and elevated presence. The Birth of “Performance with Class” Founded on the principle of Performance with Class, Phyt Lab represents more than apparel, it reflects a guiding philosophy. The brand’s debut Luxury Collection, softly launched in Spring 2025, showcases a meticulous balance between innovation and elegance. Each garment and accessory is designed with intention and crafted from premium fabrics that support movement while maintaining a refined aesthetic. “We are here to redefine what it means to dress for performance and presence,” said Bodette. “Our customers understand that performance and elegance are not mutually exclusive, and our mission is to deliver both without compromise.” Where Performance Meets Presence As the brand looks ahead to 2026, Phyt Lab is focused on expanding its women’s crafted line and introducing upscale men’s casual wear. The brand also plans to release new performance items, with quality remaining central to every launch. Phyt Lab’s commitment to excellence extends beyond fabric and form. Each product is developed with careful consideration of stitching, cut, movement, and texture, ensuring distinction in both function and appearance. Redefining the Culture of Fitness Fashion In an era dominated by fast fashion, Phyt Lab’s approach is intentionally deliberate. Each release is planned with care, prioritizing craftsmanship over speed and authenticity over hype. This devotion to detail has contributed to the brand’s growing reputation as a pioneer in blending luxury with performance. From technical performance gear and bags to elegantly designed apparel, Phyt Lab continues to evolve while maintaining a clear and consistent identity. The brand is built for the modern athlete who values both capability and composure. Experience the Standard of Phyt Lab For those who believe excellence should never come at the expense of elegance, Phyt Lab offers a distinct point of view. Its collections invite wearers to experience what happens when innovation, luxury, and athleticism converge in balance. To learn more and follow upcoming releases, including the 2025 Luxury Collection and planned women’s and men’s expansions in 2026, visit Phyt Lab on Instagram. About Phyt Lab Phyt Lab is a luxury performance wear brand founded on the principle of Performance with Class. The brand designs elevated athletic and casual apparel that integrates premium materials, thoughtful construction, and refined aesthetics for individuals who value both performance and presence. Media Contact: Amanda Bodette CEO, Phyt Lab Email: [email protected] Website Instagram

January 7, 2026

Sports

Soltys sixth in Stage 3, Posledni overturned the car on its side during a rescue mission

Martin Soltys, together with Vlastimil Miksch and Tomas Sikola, kept a steady pace from the start and were classified 6th at the finish. Karel Posledni, Petr Schweiner and Filip Skrobanek lost significant time during the day and, with almost a three-hour deficit, finished 20th. Martin Soltys commented on how demanding the stage was: “Yesterday we thought it was a tough stage, but today it was even tougher, and we’re glad to be in the finish. Or rather, I’m glad we’re in the finish, because I’ve really had enough,” said Soltys. “We had one puncture, otherwise there were no further issues, but the track was badly broken up. Rocks everywhere, rough sections, lots of bouncing – it was really demanding. Now we’re just looking forward to tomorrow,” he concluded. Soltys’ crew – Vlastimil Miksch and Tomas Sikola – agreed the stage was extremely tough. “Rocks, rocks, pain – you’re driving in a quarry. Technical trial sections, in some places you can barely get through, it hurt. Navigation was difficult too, because after the recent rains the riverbeds are washed out and there are no tracks to follow. At times we got lost, we had to drop the truck down two-metre ledges, but then it started to come together,” Miksch summed up. Sikola added that in his nine Dakars it was one of the hardest stages: “A massive rock face we had to jump down – absolute madness. The hits to the ribs really hurt. Martin was groaning like he was in a delivery room, so I kept telling him: breathe, breathe,” the mechanic Sikola recalled. “Stage 3 was the best I’ve experienced so far. We were driving, then we met Aliyyah, so we hooked her up, rolled over onto our side, started burning – what else could one wish for? The car we had on the tow rope held us, so we landed like on a pillow, and the truck’s fine,” Karel Posledni joked with exaggeration. Navigator Petr Schweiner added that the final, supposedly more navigation-heavy section was genuinely difficult in the dark and dust: “I hit rock bottom there – we were following tracks that didn’t match the roadbook, arguing about what to trust… but in the end we made it here,” he said with relief. Rally Dakar continues on Wednesday with the fourth day, the so-called Marathon Stage (Alula–Alula). Crews will face 417 kilometres of special stage and only 75 kilometres of liaison (total 492 km). The Marathon Stage is a two-day section where crews are not allowed to receive mechanical assistance from their own service teams between the two parts – putting even more emphasis on reliability and the crew’s ability to repair the truck themselves at the marathon bivouac. Aliyyah and Martin Koloc experience mixed results on Stage 3 of the Dakar Rally Stage 3 of the 2025 Dakar Rally, a loop around AlUla, saw contrasting results for Buggyra ZM Racing and the Kolocs. While Martin Koloc and co-driver Mirko Brun completed the stage in 62nd position, Aliyyah Koloc and navigator Marcin Pasek had to retire halfway through the stage due to technical difficulties. Martin Koloc and Mirko Brun finished Stage 3 in 62nd place after completing the full distance. "I think it was a good stage. It was fast and technical, sometimes on the edge, but it went well for us," said Martin. The crew encountered some technical issues in the final 100 kilometers of the stage, which cost them time. "In the last hundred kilometers, we had two punctures and consequently lost some time there," he added. Martin also set a clear goal for the remainder of the rally: "For me, I want to enjoy the rest of Dakar. We'll train and rack up kilometres." Aliyyah Koloc had to retire from Stage 3. . “ Just like in the first stage, we didn’t finish again today. We had a clutch problem,” said Aliyyah. She added that the start of the stage looked promising: “The first 140 kilometres were fine, but there was a lot of dust because, after yesterday’s issues, we started far behind the others.” Aliyyah Koloc acknowledged that it has been a challenging start to the event: “It’s the third day in a row we’ve had problems which is pretty unlucky.” https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

January 6, 2026

Sports

Aliyyah Koloc reaches the finish of Stage 2, technical troubles continue for her father, Martin Koloc

Despite steering issues and almost an hour lost in the service zone, Aliyyah Koloc and navigator Marcin Pasek showed good pace and made it to the finish in 58th position. Martin Koloc and his navigator Mirko Brun, however, had continued technical issues. As a wheel failure cost them significant time, and as the issues persisted, they decided to continue from the 143-kilometre control point to the bivouac via the road section. Based on split times, Aliyyah held a solid pace in the first part of the stage and stayed close to the competition until necessary work cost her significant time at the pit stop. Nevertheless, the crew was able to carry on and completed Stage 2 without further incidents. “Unfortunately, at around kilometre 115, we lost power steering, and it started leaking again. We then drove about 35 kilometres without power steering, which was very, very demanding,” Aliyyah Koloc explained. “We had to go really slowly and we were already quite exhausted, but we managed to reach the service area where we decided to replace the power steering as we still had another 250 kilometres to go. The repair took almost an hour, but thanks to this repair work the rest of the stage was fine, and we could really push. Overall, it was a pretty good day, but unfortunately, we didn’t achieve the result we wanted due to these issues. Hopefully tomorrow will be better,” she concluded. Martin Koloc described the stage as eventful, but also painful. “From kilometre 30, we were driving without power steering. I drove over a rock and the wheel came off, so we knew we had a problem with the front suspension arms. “We have prototype spare parts with us which we’ll start testing. We want to log in as many kilometres as possible, train and test,” said Koloc. Soltys seventh in the second stage, Posledni delayed by turbo repair Dakar Rally 2026 continued on Monday with Stage 2 from Yanbu to Alula, and Buggyra ZM Racing’s truck crews seemed to hand over the baton of technical troubles from one to the other. Martin Soltys, together with Vlastimil Miksch and Tomas Sikola, fought their way from the back of the starting order up to seventh place in today’s stage. Karel Posledni, with Petr Schweiner and Filip Skrobanek, had the stage going well, but was slowed by similar technical issues to those Soltys faced yesterday – at kilometre 199 they had to deal with a turbo problem and lost around two hours on the spot. Despite the major delay, they eventually reached the finish and were classified 21st for the stage. “Unfortunately, we broke one wheel at kilometre 15, which was a huge disappointment. On top of that we stopped in a bad place and had to jack the truck up very high, which took a lot out of us, and the next roughly 150 kilometres were full of dust – we overtook a lot of vehicles and the track was pretty much hell,” said Martin Soltys. “But the last 200 kilometres were a joy to drive. There were fewer vehicles, even though we were still overtaking and it was still very dusty. Still, we finally got to drive properly, found our rhythm and I’m happy to be seventh. That means we’ll start somewhere near the front tomorrow, which I’m glad about, because I was worried it might take us several days to get back to the leading positions,” he added. Karel Posledni was pleased with the opening part of the stage, when the driving was great. “Then we had a tyre blowout, so we changed it and continued at race pace. Another puncture came before the neutralisation, we only kept inflating the tyre, and at the pit stop the guys changed it for us,” said Posledni before delivering more bad news. “Then, still before the neutralisation, the turbo failed. We repaired it for about two hours, maybe even more, and then we set off again and prayed for that one remaining spare tyre. Luckily we’re here. We’re looking forward to tomorrow. We don’t even know our time loss or our position, but we made it to the finish,” Posledni concluded. Dakar continues on Tuesday with Stage 3, Alula–Alula, featuring a 422-kilometre special and 314 kilometres of liaisons (736 km in total). https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

January 5, 2026

Sports

Youth Pitcher Shoulder Pain Early Warning Signs: 90-Second Parent Quiz Available

VeloRESET has launched a quiz that can help parents pinpoint the underlying movement issues in young pitchers that can lead to arm discomfort, sudden drops in pitching speed, or changes in confidence. The quiz comes with an accompanying guide that gives parents a clear, plain-English set of insights and suggested next steps. To learn more about youth pitcher arm health, go to https://www.veloreset.com/ This resource addresses a common challenge faced by baseball families. Parents often observe early warning signs—such as changes in mechanics, hesitation during throws, persistent soreness, or unexplained declines in velocity—but lack the information needed to determine whether these issues reflect normal fatigue, mechanical inefficiencies, or the early stages of injury. In the absence of clear guidance, families are frequently left to guess, delaying appropriate action or pursuing rest or medical intervention without a full understanding of the underlying cause. VeloRESET was designed to address this gap by equipping parents with the insight needed to recognize early warning signs and take informed action before minor issues develop into extended layoffs. Their diagnostic quiz asks seven questions about an athlete's symptoms, soreness patterns, posture habits, and throwing behavior. Based on the answers, it identifies which of the six common movement patterns may be driving the stress. Parents receive a breakdown of the likely root cause along with recommended next steps. The six patterns include what VeloRESET calls "The Elbow Rub," where early stress shows up through repeated arm shaking or hesitation on hard throws. Others address shoulder compensation, limited upper body rotation, sudden velocity drops, masked pain where athletes say they're fine but performance tells a different story, and confidence spirals that show up before physical symptoms do. A spokesperson for VeloRESET explained the thinking behind the tool. "Youth pitcher arm pain almost always comes from a combination of small movement restrictions, overuse patterns, and compensations stacking on top of each other," they said. "Parents see the symptoms but often have no way to connect the dots. This quiz gives them words for what they're seeing and a clear next move." The quiz is educational in nature and does not replace medical care; rather, it is intended to support families in making more informed decisions and asking more effective questions when working with coaches, trainers, or healthcare providers. About VeloRESET VeloRESET was founded by Joey Myers, a corrective exercise specialist with certifications from NASM, CES, and FMS. Myers has worked with youth athletes for more than 15 years and authored The Catapult Loading System. His approach focuses on movement resets, mobility work, and activation techniques rather than mechanical drills or velocity programs. For more information on youth pitcher arm care and recovery, visit https://www.youtube.com/@VeloRESET

January 5, 2026

Sports

Martin Koloc tasted the bitterness of Dakar Rally, Aliyyah failed to finish the opening stage

In his Dakar debut, Martin Koloc experienced the harsh reality of the legendary rally. After a combination of demanding terrain and technical problems, he reached the finish in 70th place, more than five hours behind the leaders. His daughter Aliyyah Koloc did not reach the finish of the opening stage at all due to technical issues. “Unfortunately, in a trial section at a really low speed, I drove over a rock and broke off a front wheel. In my opinion, these kinds of stages require driving extremely slowly. Unfortunately, I don’t have that experience yet. I thought I was driving conservatively. When I arrived at Aliyyah, her car was in the same condition. She also hadn’t hit anything big and suddenly had both wheels broken off. So we stood there, gave her parts, and continued. But after about one kilometer, I also broke off a rear wheel. It must have already been damaged. Nothing happened there either—I was driving slowly,” Martin Koloc evaluated the first stage, from which he also took away an unwanted souvenir. “While replacing the rear arm, it snapped into my hand and I broke my little finger. What a day. This should never have happened,” Koloc added. While Martin Koloc at least managed to reach the stage finish, his daughter Aliyyah Koloc had an even more unfortunate day. Her Revo T1+ went from the service intervention point to the bivouac by road, and she therefore did not finish the first stage. She described the situation during the stage as follows: “Approximately between kilometers 80 and 100, there was a very difficult section with really large rocks. I think we were driving very slowly, but we probably hit a rock that damaged the steering, and at the same time we got a puncture. Fortunately, Karel (Poslední) was passing by, helped us change the wheel, and then towed us about 90 kilometers to the service zone. We are very grateful to him for that. We still had roughly 130 kilometers to go to the finish.” Šoltys’ new colors didn’t bring luck, Poslední towed Aliyyah to the service zone as the “Last angel” Martin Šoltys was plagued by technical issues and, after a promising start, finished only 28th with a loss of nearly three hours. Karel Poslední, on the other hand, sacrificed his own stage ambitions to help teammate Aliyyah Koloc, towing her to the service area. In the end, that effort resulted in a a final 20th place at the finish. “For this year we prepared something new in the form of alternating colors. In each stage we will switch the livery between the blue of partner Albixon and white for Bydlení Hořovice. We drove the prologue in blue and it worked out well. I believe the white will bring us luck too,” Martin Šoltys said before the start of the opening stage. At the finish, however, the mood was completely different. “The first 130 kilometers went perfectly. According to information from the guys, we were running in second to third place, which was great. We tried to drive cautiously, but if you want to keep up with the front runners, you have to take risks sometimes. Unfortunately, one risk didn’t pay off. In a narrow canyon we suddenly cut both tires. We kept going for about two kilometers, but then we heard knocking and the turbo impeller broke. We were stuck there for almost three hours before we managed to change the turbo, because it was red-hot. At least later at night we got to try the dunes, which we passed without any problems. Tomorrow we’ll start again,” Šoltys described the stage. Karel Poslední also had a very strong pace at the start, but it lasted only until the 90-kilometer mark. “We were flying and overtaking one car after another, including trucks. But at kilometer 90 we came across Aliyyah, who had a puncture and steering problems. We hooked her up and towed her to the service area, so we once again played the role of angels. There’s nothing you can do—that’s Dakar,” Poslední said at the finish, where he and his crew arrived in 20th place, 1:23:29 behind the stage winner. The Dakar Rally continues on Monday with the second stage from Yanbu to AlUla. Crews will face a 400-kilometer special stage, with liaison sections totaling 104 kilometers. The overall length of the stage is therefore 504 kilometers. https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

January 4, 2026

Sports

Aliyyah Koloc plays it safe in the Prologue, Martin Koloc stuck with the speed limiter on. Soltys the fastest Czech, Posledni drops out of the top ten after a penalty

Aliyyah Koloc and co-driver Marcin Pasek finished 31st in the Ultimate classification and 24th in the W2RC classification. Martin Koloc and co-driver Mirco Brun placed 60th in Ultimate and 30th in W2RC. In the additional Masters classification for drivers aged 50 and over, Martin Koloc currently sits 7th. Buggyra ZM Racing fielded two three-man crews in the Truck category and the opening day delivered two very different results. Martin Soltys, together with Vlastimil Miksch and Tomas Sikola, finished 4th and was the fastest Czech competitor in the Prologue. Karel Posledni, with Petr Schweiner and Filip Skrobanek, dropped from a top-ten position to 22nd after receiving a three-and-a-half-minute penalty due to issues with the speed limiter. “The Prologue was pretty good. It was 22 kilometres and it was very, very fast. There were also technical sections on rocks. In those I was more careful – puncturing a tyre and having to change it would cost a lot of time. I think we still had good speed,” said Aliyyah Koloc. Her co-driver Marcin Pasek added that the main goal was to avoid mistakes right from the start: “The Prologue went well for us. We didn’t make any stupid mistakes, and that’s the key. On the stage we already saw the first car on its roof and another one that got stuck in the rocks. It wasn’t easy to get around the second one, so we lost a few seconds there, but that’s not important now. We’re happy to be here – and the real Dakar starts tomorrow.” Martin Koloc was clear about what held him back in the Prologue: “From the start I couldn’t switch off the speed limiter, so I was capped at 116 kilometres per hour. It was honestly torture – on the long straights where you’re doing 160–170, I was 50 slower.” At the same time, he stressed the team remains calm: “Tomorrow we’ll be starting somewhere from the back and we’ll have to fight our way into a good position for the next stage. I don’t see it as any drama – it just wasn’t pleasant. Otherwise the car works well and the navigation was great. We still have another two weeks ahead of us.” “I’m glad it finally started. The Prologue went well for us – fourth place is good result. I did my best to drive smart, so we have a good starting position for tomorrow,” said Martin Soltys. He added about the truck: “The truck ran without any major issues, we only lost a mirror.” Co-driver Vlastimil Miksch praised a clean run without mistakes: “I was nervous right up to the last moment, but once you’re on the start line, it drops away. The important thing is that we didn’t make any mistakes and we didn’t get lost.” Mechanic Tomas Sikola added a few details from inside the cab: “It was a fast section with technical parts as well, so it was quite demanding for the start. Passing under a tree we clipped a branch and tore something off the roof – we only found out at the finish what it was. It was the protective frame for the front windscreen. We also knocked off a mirror somewhere. Those are our two losses today. We’ll fix it and move on.” For Karel Posledni’s crew, the result was decided by the penalty. “From the start I couldn’t switch off the speed limiter, so we got a 3:30 min penalty. Otherwise we would have been somewhere around ninth or tenth. Now we’re twenty-second, but tomorrow the real Dakar begins,” said Posledni. Co-driver Petr Schweiner explained that the priority before the start was to stay calm in the cab: “I was nervous, but before the start we sat down in the cab, shook hands and calmed ourselves down. It’s a shame about the technical issue and the unnecessary penalty – it’s a lesson for us and for the team.” Mechanic Filip Skrobanek added that the crew is still settling into some things: “The new co-driver is gradually integrating into the crew. Some things are still falling into place, but I believe it will only get better in the coming days.” On Sunday, Dakar continues with Stage 1 from Yanbu to Yanbu. The crews will face a 305-kilometre Special Stage and 213 kilometres of liaison sections (518 km in total). https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

January 4, 2026

Sports

Chad Baker-Mazara’s Rise From Santo Domingo Earns National Recognition During Breakout Season at USC

Legacy and Determination Drive Chad Baker-Mazara’s Breakout Performance at USC Chad Baker-Mazara, a Dominican-born basketball talent, is redefining what it means to rise through discipline and legacy. Currently playing for USC under Head Coach Eric Musselman, the standout guard has evolved into one of the most versatile and consistent players in NCAA Division I basketball. His ability to adapt on both ends of the court have earned him recognition across the national basketball landscape. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Baker-Mazara’s journey is marked by perseverance, legacy, and cultural pride. Raised by a former Dominican professional basketball player and an HBCU alumnus, his upbringing instilled a foundation of discipline that continues to guide his approach to the game. For Baker-Mazara, basketball became not only a path to education but also a means to express identity and represent his heritage on a larger stage. Setting Records and Earning National Recognition Baker-Mazara’s breakout season has been defined by milestones that highlight both skill and endurance. Known for his scoring ability and sharp basketball IQ, he recorded seven 20+ point games during the 2025–26 season, including four consecutive performances, a feat last achieved by a USC guard in 2013. His consistency and leadership have positioned him among the most productive guards in the country. On the national stage, Baker-Mazara delivered two 30+ point performances, placing him among the top 10 players nationally in total points and made free throws. His efforts were rewarded with the Maui Invitational MVP title, making him the first player to capture back-to-back Maui championships. Recognition also followed with honors such as NCAA Player of the Week and a placement on the 2025–26 Lute Olson Award Early Season Watch List, further cementing his growing presence among elite collegiate athletes. A Player Rooted in Family and Cultural Pride What makes Baker-Mazara’s story resonate goes beyond statistics. His journey is intertwined with the influence of his family and their commitment to community development in the Dominican Republic. His father, a former professional player, remains deeply involved in nurturing young talent, creating a pipeline that strengthens the presence of Dominican athletes in global basketball. “My dad taught me to dream with discipline,” Baker-Mazara said. “Every time I step on the court, I’m representing where I’m from and the people who believed in me.” His story reflects not only personal achievement but also a broader mission using success as a platform to uplift others and honor his cultural roots. A Focus on Long-Term Vision and Sustained Excellence While accolades continue to accumulate, Baker-Mazara remains focused on longevity and growth. Under the guidance of Coach Musselman, he continues to refine his craft, developing new layers to his game while strengthening leadership within the team. “Right now, my focus is the work, learning under Coach Muss and growing with my teammates,” Baker-Mazara explained. “Everything else comes from that.” His commitment to improvement goes far beyond his performance on the court. Baker-Mazara’s vision extends toward creating lasting impact not only through his play but through the example he sets for the next generation of athletes from the Dominican Republic. Chad Baker-Mazara’s ascent is more than a collegiate success story. It embodies the value of heritage, resilience, and purpose, a journey from Santo Domingo that now inspires on the national stage. Media Contact : Nikki Barjon The Brandshoppe Email: [email protected] Website Social Links: Instagram TikTok

January 2, 2026

Sports

Dakar Rally 2026 starts this Saturday: Buggyra is ready!

The Prologue of the 48th edition Dakar Rally is scheduled for Saturday in Yanbu. Truck category: fine-tuning the set-up and keeping a cool head In the truck category, the team carried out a private test on site, focusing mainly on set-up changes in different temperature conditions than the crews are used to back home. “Today we had our first private test. Because the temperatures here are different than in the Czech Republic, we played with the damper settings. Otherwise the truck works perfectly, there was no major issue. On Friday we’ll fine-tune a few small things and we can’t wait for it to start,” said driver Martin Šoltys. “Today we also passed the technical and administrative scrutineering. Yesterday we treated ourselves to a New Year’s Eve goulash. I mostly did the chopping – Karel didn’t really let me do much of the cooking,” Šoltys added with a laugh. Karel Poslední described the arrival at the bivouac as intense, but in a good way: “The flight in was hectic and we spent a long time washing the vehicles. New Year’s Eve was calm – we made a New Year’s goulash and sat here. Martin went out testing around midnight, so he spent New Year’s Eve in the truck, and we waited for the guys to get back,” Poslední said. Scrutineering, he adds, went surprisingly smoothly: “This year the checks were probably the quickest I’ve experienced so far, and I think everything was without problems.” He is equally positive about the first kilometres on site: “The private tests were great. We’re really excited about the new Evo – we’re literally laughing in the cab,” Poslední added. Car category: scrutineering and waiting for the first competitive kilometres In the Ultimate category, the team will field two Revo Red-Lined T1+ cars. After desert testing around Dubai and Abu Dhabi in December, the crews have now completed scrutineering in Saudi Arabia. Martin Koloc summed up the preparation in a straightforward way: “I think we’re prepared for Dakar as well as we could be. Of course, if we had one or two more years, it would be even better. This never really ends.” After the New Year’s administrative checks, Aliyyah Koloc shared an on-site update: “We’re here at the start of Dakar 2026. The administrative checks are done and everything went smoothly. We also did a short test where we found a minor issue, but the guys are already dealing with it. I slept through New Year’s Eve – I was asleep before midnight, so I didn’t even hear any fireworks, which was actually nice. I feel good. It’s going to be my fourth Dakar and my first with my dad, so it’s a really special edition for me. I’m really excited and I can’t wait for the Prologue on Saturday. We’ll see how it goes.” According to the entry list, Buggyra ZM Racing will compete in Ultimate with car numbers #250 (Aliyyah Koloc / Marcin Pasek) and #251 (Martin Koloc / Mirco Brun). In the truck category, Buggyra will run numbers #603 (Martin Šoltys / Vlastimil Miksch / Tomáš Sikola) and #615 (Karel Poslední / Petr Schweiner / Filip Škrobánek). Dakar 2026 starts on 3 January in Yanbu and finishes in Yanbu on 17 January. The route will cover roughly 8,000 kilometres in total, including approximately 5,000 kilometres of Special Stages. The plan is the same across both categories: start smart, avoid pushing the pace unnecessarily in the opening days, and build a steady rhythm as quickly as possible. Dakar Rally can begin. https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

December 30, 2025

Sports

Support and competition in the desert: When the Dakar becomes a family affair for Buggyra ZM Racing team

For Aliyyah Koloc, the 2026 Dakar, which starts on January 3, will be about more than endurance and speed, it will also be about family. Pre-event testing with a new navigator In early December, Buggyra ZM Racing carried out intensive testing in the deserts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, a challenging test environment for both the cars and the crew ahead of the 2026 Dakar. “This full week of testing in the desert was crucial for the team to prepare. We tested several new features, and I feel prepared,” Aliyyah said. This year’s preparation comes with added complexity. Only weeks before Dakar, Aliyyah began working with a new navigator, Polish co-driver Marcin Pasek. The 29-year-old has already competed in several cross-country and traditional rallies, with the 2026 Dakar set to be his third participation. “Changing navigators just weeks before the Dakar isn’t ideal. So our pre-event testing was crucial and went really well,” Aliyyah explained. “We fine-tuned the car together, and we worked on communication and building trust inside the cockpit. When you are out there in the desert, you need to be able to count on your navigator and vice versa. The human component of the Dakar is just as important as the machinery.” A historical father-daughter duo There is another new element in the upcoming Dakar Rally for Aliyyah. For the first time, her father, Martin Koloc, will be driving a second Revo Red-Lined T1+ alongside his daughter. This also marks a first in the recent history of the Dakar, with a father and daughter competing in the highest car category in two different cars. Before stepping into the driver’s seat, Martin Koloc spent more than a decade at the Dakar in a management role with Buggyra ZM Racing, overseeing operations, strategy, and development from the bivouac. “I am having mixed emotions about my father racing in the Dakar,” Aliyyah said. “It makes us competitors in a way, but we will also be watching out for each other. If one of us has an issue, the other will be there to help.” Aliyyah knows the Dakar well. At just 21, the 2026 edition will mark her fourth participation in the rally and her third year competing in the Ultimate category. “Each edition has pushed me in new ways, physically and mentally, brought its own set of memories and those classic Dakar curveballs that keep you on your toes from the first kilometer to the last.” “The 2026 Dakar is going to become a new chapter in our family’s story. When I look across the bivouac, I’ll see my father gearing up too, and that will make every kilometer even more special,” Aliyyah reflected. In a rally raid defined by isolation and self-reliance, the 2026 Dakar will offer a shared horizon in two separate cars, turning the world’s toughest rally into a family affair. Dakar schedule Buggyra ZM Racing will enter two Revo Red-Lined T1+ cars. Aliyyah Koloc, with navigator Marcin Pasek, will compete in the turbo-charged version with start number 250. Martin Koloc and his navigator, Italian Mirko Brun, will drive the non-turbo version with start number 251. The 2026 Dakar will start on January 3 in Yanbu, where it will also end on January 17. The two-day marathon stage will run from Alula to Hail. The rest day will take place in Riyadh after stage 6. The 2026 route will cover a total of 8,000 kilometers, including 5,000 kilometers of special stages. https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

December 29, 2025

Sports

It’s all about chocolate: Racing driver Aliyyah Koloc partners with Steiner & Kovarik

Other chocolate lovers, including athletes, can also benefit from it. “I love chocolate, which isn’t always the best for an athlete,” admits Aliyyah with a smile. “But when the opportunity came up to start a partnership with a chocolate factory, I said yes immediately. It was fascinating to see the production line and really understand how chocolate is made.” Steiner & Kovarik, also known as ‘Pražská čokoláda’ or ‘Prague Chocolate’, is a family-run chocolate manufacturer based in Prague, headed by Petr Kovarik. The company sources its cocoa from family farms in Colombia, Guatemala, and Bolivia, using 100% eco- and human rights-friendly production methods that create a unique taste profile. Performance chocolate for athletes This partnership goes beyond traditional chocolate. Together, Aliyyah Koloc and Steiner & Kovarik have developed all-natural performance chocolate products designed specifically for athletes. These healthy treats can be consumed during intense activities such as racing or cross-country running to help boost energy, focus, and recovery. The products have been tested over several months during long training sessions and in-car testing, with the clear goal of delivering clean, stable energy using ingredients athletes can fully trust. One of the key products is an almond cream enriched with Cordyceps and Hericium. It combines nutrient-rich almonds with functional mushrooms. Cordyceps supports endurance and oxygen use, while Hericium enhances focus, mental clarity, and reaction time. Natural coconut sugars and cocoa provide quick, stable fuel, and vitamin C supports recovery and immunity. “This partnership combines sport and good food in a very genuine way,” says Aliyyah Koloc. “As we head into the Dakar, one of the toughest endurance races in the world, these products will be part of our daily nutrition. They’ve proven themselves in testing, and now we rely on them when it really matters. I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created with Steiner & Kovarik, and I’m excited to share these performance-focused products with others who care about both quality and results.” Petr Kovarik, CEO of Steiner & Kovarik, adds: “For us, the biggest challenge is shifting the perception of chocolate toward being a functional food. By combining it with the right ingredients, we can support people in their activities. Working with Aliyyah is inspiring because the demands on an athlete’s body are incredible. Together, we have created something that benefits both during performance and recovery, without using chemical shortcuts. We are looking forward to sharing these results worldwide and, in doing so, helping many people.” The performance chocolate products are available through Steiner & Kovarik’s e-shop and retail locations across Prague. More chocolate products, including mandalas, will be added to the line in the next couple of weeks. For more information on the performance chocolate and where to buy it, go to: https://www.steinerkovarik.com/prague-chocolate or https://www.prazskacokolada.cz/en/aliyyah-a-martin-koloc-29/ https://www.facebook.com/BUGGYRA https://twitter.com/buggyra_racing https://www.linkedin.com/company/buggyra-racing https://www.instagram.com/buggyra_racing/ https://www.tiktok.com/@buggyra

Sports News

Fast Martin Šoltys surfed the dunes, then swallowed dust. Karel Poslední was plagued by gearbox issues

The Koloc family and Buggyra ZM Racing keep fighting through a challenging Dakar

ULTIMATE: Solid progress for Aliyyah Koloc in stage 6; technical issues ends day early for Martin Koloc

Aliyyah Koloc completes the marathon stage, brings the car to Ha’il despite technical issues

Aliyyah Koloc completes stage 4 in 35th as Buggyra trucks secure top-10 finishes in the Dakar marathon stage

Phyt Lab Announces a New Era of Luxury Performance Wear

Soltys sixth in Stage 3, Posledni overturned the car on its side during a rescue mission

Aliyyah Koloc reaches the finish of Stage 2, technical troubles continue for her father, Martin Koloc

Youth Pitcher Shoulder Pain Early Warning Signs: 90-Second Parent Quiz Available

Martin Koloc tasted the bitterness of Dakar Rally, Aliyyah failed to finish the opening stage

Aliyyah Koloc plays it safe in the Prologue, Martin Koloc stuck with the speed limiter on. Soltys the fastest Czech, Posledni drops out of the top ten after a penalty

Chad Baker-Mazara’s Rise From Santo Domingo Earns National Recognition During Breakout Season at USC

Dakar Rally 2026 starts this Saturday: Buggyra is ready!

Support and competition in the desert: When the Dakar becomes a family affair for Buggyra ZM Racing team

It’s all about chocolate: Racing driver Aliyyah Koloc partners with Steiner & Kovarik

ALL NEWS