Early every year the motorsports season kicks off with the Dakar Rally. Although it often begins in Paris, France, this year's race-the 27th edition-started in Barcelona, Spain, with the ultimate destination of Dakar, Senegal, on the West Coast of Africa. The race is not forgiving, and catastrophe is the backbone of such a grueling, relentless, punishing ride through some of the most-remote deserts and subtropical regions on the planet. It takes a bit of courage, a lot of strength and some insanity to attempt the race. It requires tenacity beyond belief to finish it. Outright racing for the overall win is done only by a select few factory-supported riders who go for glory in what is truly one of the world's toughest races.
This year's event was tough, but that is normal. Marred by the death of two-time Dakar winner Fabrizio Meoni, the second motorcycle death in this race, riders pushed forward among tragic times. Still, French rider Cyril Despres kept a promise made to another fallen rider, Richard Sainct, to put a "Blue" Gauloises KTM atop the podium.
This year marked the second appearance of an all-American KTM effort backed by Red Bull. Kellon Walch, Chris Blais and Scot Harden accomplished their goal of finishing all three riders, with Walch winning a stage on the final special test of the rally down the beach and around Lac Rose.
Rally racing is in a state of shock at the moment, yet the enthusiasm of private riders and even those dreaming of Dakar remains at an all-time high. It is the desert riding you dream of on machines that go faster than anyone should. The rally will go on.