One day all the efforts of a life flows together in an unforgettable success, a success that explains away all the commitments and the sacrifices of an entire career. This day becomes one of the most rewarding appointments of the life. This does not happen to all people, but in this sport, this day gives way to the birth of a new Champion.
After five endeavours, and after fifteen catchy days, Marc Coma won his first Dakar and his success has been celebrated on the podium located at the Lake Rose, the mythic site where the Dakar rewards his Champions. Marc Coma was excited, and happy as a kid. Simply happy, but his first words were dedicated to Andy Caldecott, the saddest note of the race. Then the Repsol KTM Champion analyzed his race: "I was well prepared to fight a long and difficult battle. And I already learned that in order to win a Dakar at least two things have to occur. First is not to make mistakes, second is that opponents make at least one mistake. If nothing of that happens, then you have to feel the right moment and unlock the gas. I did not made big mistakes, Cyril was unlucky and fell, and I took advantage of a favourable situation. Anyway it has been ten days of stress with a marvellous final purpose reached. Thanks to everybody. Thanks to KTM."
And thanks to you, Marc, you made a great job, but thanks to Cyril also, who shown a heroic temperament continuing the race in partially disabled conditions. And thanks to Giovanni Sala, who accomplished one of the most difficult goals reaching the podium together with helping his Repsol KTM Teammates. Thanks finally to all the Team Managers, especially this one that Spanish one that has been the recordman of second places in the history of the Dakar and has buil the two Spanish winners of the recent editions of the race. Do you know him? I'm sure, yes.
Of course all the riders that have chosen a KTM have to be thanked, not only the first eight of the overall standings. And some special appreciations are mandatory. To the American Red Bull Team, that growth more and more and grazed the podium with Chris Blais, or the fastest privateers, as Norwegian Pal Ullevalseter or Alain Duclos. A special mention have to be attributed to the temperament of David Casteu, that put himself at the service not only of the team but has been protagonist in the delicate situation in which he managed first to assist the unlucky rider Isidre Esteve when the Spanish fell down, and then absorbed the responsibility to ultimately stop the spanyard. That's a special meaning that complete the rune of this special Champions of the Rally Raids.
All the riders and the different teams finally have to thanks Hans Trunkenpolz, the general coordinator of one of the most impressive family-factory represented in the African rallies and of this 28th Dakar. This KTM fleet of naval destroyers of the desert is a very big deal also for an expert admiral. It involves many aspects of motor sports and a very particular lifestyle. So please Hans, take now a rest.
One day, some ten years ago, a reference Champion devoted to an historic motorcycle brand had a great idea and begun to dream of a special machine in order to cross victoriously the deserts of the planet. He worked hardly, soldering frames and suggesting details to protect the liability of a winning enduro machine. His name is Heinz Kinigadner, and he newer was able to win the most hard and famous rally, but his dream is now realized, and starting from 2001 non one other brand has been able to bit this KTM dream machine.
Final overall results
1. Coma (Repsol KTM), 55:27:17 h
2. Despres (Gauloises KTM), 56:40:46 h, + 01:13:29 h
3. Sala (Repsol KTM), 53:50:25 h, + 02:29:48 h
4. Blais (Red Bull USA KTM), 58:03:35 h, + 02:36:18 h
5. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), 58:50:04 h, + 03:22:47 h, Penalty: 01.00:00 h
6. Ullevalseter (KTM), 59:22:09 h, + 03:54:52 h
7. Duclos (KTM), 60:11:13 h, + 04:43:56 h
8. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), 61:43:38 h, + 06:16:21 h
9. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), 62:21:58 h, + 06:54:41 h, Penalty: 02:00:00 h
10. Vinters (KTM), 63:20:31 h, + 07:53:14 h
11. Gau (Gauloises KTM), 63:21:22 h, + 07:54:05 h
12. Knuiman (YAMAHA), 63:56:44 h, + 08:29:27 h
13. Fretigne (YAMAHA), 64:13:13 h, + 08:45:56 h
14. Czachor (YAMAHA), 64:14:11 h, +08:46:54 h
15. Algay (YAMAHA), 64:15:25 h, + 08:48:08 h
16. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), 64:41:44 h, + 09:14:27 h, Penalty: 30:00
17. Street (KTM), 65:30:08 h, + 10:02:51 h
18. Bethys (HONDA), 65:37:18 h, +10:10:01 h
19. Marchini (YAMAHA), 66:29:17 h, + 11:02:00 h, Penalty: 02:00:00 h
20. Agra Carrera (YAMAHA), 67:04:42 h, + 11:37:25 h, Penalty: 13:00 h