Podcast Summary: "Usted no sabe con quién está hablando | José Luis Criado, el gentleman del Dakar"

Podcast: Hoy por Hoy (SER Podcast)
Host: Àngels Barceló
Guest: José Luis Criado
Date: November 27, 2025

Overview

This episode of "Hoy por Hoy" features Àngels Barceló in conversation with José Luis Criado, an iconic figure and the most veteran Spanish competitor in the history of the Dakar Rally. Criado, known as the “gentleman del Dakar,” shares his journey from notary public to Dakar co-driver, recounts 35 years of adventure, the evolution of the rally, innovation with hydrogen-powered trucks, and the enduring spirit of camaraderie and competition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene: The Dakar Spirit

[00:02–01:32]

• The host invites listeners to imagine themselves at the "Lago Rosa" near Dakar—a historical finish line of the legendary rally full of noise, excitement, and adventure.
• Àngels welcomes José Luis Criado, who arrives for the interview—as he would for the rally—driving a truck.

2. Dual Life: Notary and Rally Co-Driver

[01:13–01:24]

• Criado reveals his day job is as a notary, but his true devotion is being a rally co-driver.
• On how he manages both:

  "Tenemos un cuadro de sustituciones estupendo... la gente sabe que su notario está compitiendo en el París Dakar y me lo admiten, gracias a Dios."
  (José Luis Criado, 04:03)

3. The Dakar Legacy: 35 Years of Grit

[01:57–02:21]

• Criado emphasizes his longevity, having participated for 35 years, and being the most senior competitor.
• Missed only one edition—due to a COVID diagnosis the day before departure in 2020.

4. The Rally Routine and Teamwork

[03:26–04:03]

• Details on pre-race logistics: vehicle verification, transport to Saudi Arabia, rally start timelines.

5. Achievements and Technical Innovation

[04:34–05:25]

• Multiple victories:
  • 16 times category “X” winner
  • Winner in production and new technology categories
• Pioneering sustainability:

  "Corremos con un camión que va propulsado por hidrógeno... somos los más veteranos y los más innovadores."
  (José Luis Criado, 04:43)

  • Their hydrogen truck now includes an electric engine for 40–50 km of emission-free distance.

6. Dakar in the Early Days: Learning by Doing

[05:37–07:12]

• Criado’s entry was serendipitous, joining veteran truck pilots via mutual contacts.
• Early navigation was rudimentary:

  "Nos guiamos con una brújula que yo llevaba colgada al pecho... era la aventura por la aventura."
  (José Luis Criado, 06:25)

7. Evolution of the Dakar: From Africa to Arabia

[07:12–09:05]

• Nostalgia for the African editions—the unpredictability, lack of technology, and deep human adventure.
• Shift to security-focused, more technological events in South America and now Saudi Arabia.
• Loss of magic but acknowledgment of improved safety and organization.

8. Camaraderie vs. Competition

[09:05–09:53]

• The “compañerismo” that once dominated the rally has diminished with professionalization.
• Criado and his partner Jordi are called "los San Bernardo del desierto" for their willingness to help fellow competitors:

  "Paramos a todo el mundo, les tiramos, hacemos... nos hemos convertido en unos gentleman de la carrera."
  (José Luis Criado, 09:22)

9. The Drive to Compete

[09:53–10:38]

• Despite the years, the competitive spirit remains:

  "El gen competitivo no se pierde jamás... seguimos compitiendo como si fuésemos niños."
  (José Luis Criado, 09:59)

• Initial resistance faced when debuting the hydrogen-powered truck, including logistical challenges and late race starts.

10. Facing Real Danger

[11:23–12:15]

• Recounts a life-threatening experience:

  “Nos secuestraron en Mauritania... nos llevaron a punta de metralleta... yo pensaba que nos mataba. Nos despedimos Jordi y yo y al final nos dejaron ir.”
  (José Luis Criado, 11:23)

11. Family and Personal Balance

[12:15–13:10]

• Family has adapted to Criado’s Dakar commitment; his absence during holidays is now part of family lore.
• He would tell his children as kids:

  "Yo voy a buscar los Reyes porque voy allí de donde vienen..."
  (José Luis Criado, 12:45)

12. The Physical Challenge: Truck vs. Car

[13:10–13:50]

• Trucks are physically much tougher than cars:

  "Es un camión que pega unos botes y acaba muerto. Pero muerto para enterrarte."
  (José Luis Criado, 13:18)

13. Life on the Road

[13:52–14:17]

• Describes their minimalist existence during the rally: sleeping on three mattresses in the truck, carrying hydrogen tanks, a few tools, and spares.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On dual identity:
  “Yo soy notario.”
  (José Luis Criado, 01:16)

• On winning and innovation:
  “Corremos con un camión que va propulsado por hidrógeno… ni agua echará el camión, si Dios quiere.”
  (José Luis Criado, 05:09)

• On the old Dakar:
  “África es la madre de todo.”
  (José Luis Criado, 08:03)

• On camaraderie:
  “Nos llaman los San Bernardo del desierto... nos hemos convertido en unos gentleman de la carrera.”
  (José Luis Criado, 09:22)

• On danger and perspective:
  “…nos bajaron el camión a punta de metralleta... pensaba que nos mataba. Nos despedimos Jordi y yo y al final nos dejaron ir.”
  (José Luis Criado, 11:23)

Notable Timestamps

• [01:13] – Criado’s revelation: notary and rally devotee
• [04:43] – Advances with hydrogen-powered trucks
• [06:25] – Early navigation “con brújula colgada al pecho”
• [09:22] – On being “los gentleman” and helping others in the dunes
• [11:23] – Kidnapping episode in Mauritania
• [13:18] – The physical demand of piloting a rally truck

Summary

In this rich, warm, and candid interview, José Luis Criado provides a window into the life of a true Dakar legend—balancing a respectable day job with an enduring passion for rally adventure. Listeners gain insight into the evolution of the Dakar, tales of innovation and resilience, and a heartfelt appreciation for camaraderie, competition, and the spirit of never giving up. Criado’s anecdotes—from harrowing dangers to the joys of inventing a sustainable future—make this episode both inspiring and highly human.