KTM Wins 2011 Dakar

By Kevin Ash - 21/01/2011

KTM has triumphed for the tenth consecutive year in the 2011 Dakar Rally.

Factory rider and Spanish rally veteran Marc Coma beat teammate, Frenchman Cyril Despr�s by just 15 minutes at the end of the gruelling 6,000 mile (9,500km) event, which was run this year in South America.

After a succession of political and security problems in Africa the Dakar switched continents, but it was no less tough as a result. After crossing from Buenos Aires to the Chilean Pacific coast and back, including crossing the Andes, Coma said: “Staying focused was essential so I did focus on my riding. It was the only way to win. What was really tough was that I could not let my guard down, not even for a second. When a tough stage was ending, the next one was even tougher. We all know that a Dakar is a difficult race but this year it was particularly difficult.”�

Despr�s was disappointed but philosophical about losing: “"I made some mistakes, they were two small mistakes but they held some heavy consequences," he said. “But anyway, the feeling of finishing a Dakar is always nice, especially here with all the people welcoming you. I am sad I could not do better. I have raced 11 Dakar, won three and been on the podium eight times. One more would have been great."

All of which is a great excuse to show some of the fabulous images from the event, courtesy of KTM.

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