Conversations with
Carlos Santaolalla
Welcoming a
New Friend of Hagen
Our partnership with classic Dakar Rally racer and friend of the brand Carlos Santaolalla is a study in movement and discipline. We’re joining him on his journey from his home in Spain to the race in Saudi Arabia, exploring the stillness that frames his focus for his time in the desert.
Across the coming months, we’ll observe his preparation and capture the intensity of passion. We’ll study the landscapes he crosses and the moments he takes to slow down when his mind is ablaze with race details.
Life on the road goes beyond speed and noise. It’s shaped just as much by the quiet moments; the small pauses where focus settles, preparation takes over, and intention becomes the thing that carries you forward.
On competition days, routine is what keeps everything steady.
Carlos wakes early. Coffee. A stretch. Breakfast. Magnesium, potassium. He lays out every piece of equipment before he even gets dressed, making sure nothing is left to chance. Before he gets in the car, he checks the vehicle, drinks some water, and gives himself one last moment before starting.
The small repetitions create a kind of familiarity, even when the environment is anything but familiar. They strip away distraction. They make space for attention to sharpen when everything around him is unpredictable.
Precision and passion sit at the heart of his journey
“My ritual is what brings calm. Without it, nothing is clear.”
Step in your Hagen moment
The Hagen Moment is the still pause before movement, a brief clarity that gathers the senses before the world widens and the day begins to take shape.
To step into your own Hagen Moment:
Pause. Brew your coffee, take a breath, and let attention settle. Notice the warmth, the aroma, the sound — the small details that anchor the mind.
Prepare. Like Carlos, lay out what you need for the day. Tools, notebooks, or simply a cup of coffee. Arrange them so nothing distracts. Each item in place shapes calm and readiness.
Move with awareness. Stretch, walk, or breathe deeply. Attend to each motion and sensation, letting your body set the pace for the mind.
Reflect. When the day ends, return to stillness. Consider what unfolded, let thoughts settle, and prepare for what comes next.
