KTM stage 14 report

Coma coasts to victory in Dakar 2009 in South America

With his second Dakar win in his sights, KTM factory rider Marc Coma coasted through the final stage of the first ever Dakar in South America to finish sixth and take victory in the race that has taken competitors through a major part of South America.

Coma, from Spain, dominated the race that started on January 3 and finished with an impressive winning margin of one hour 25'38". With fellow KTM factory riders Cyril Despres finishing second overall and Jordi Viladoms overall seventh, and with eight of the top 10 places going to KTM riders, the inaugural Dakar has been a great success for the sports machines "Made in Austria". The main podium celebration is to be held on Sunday in Buenos Aires.

Marc Coma (Repsol KTM) 1st (in 52h14'33)
I can't describe the feeling -- happy doesn't even come close. It is so good to be able to draw a line under two difficult years - losing the 2007 Dakar two days from the end and then the cancellation of the 2008 edition. Winning this race is all about preparation and Jordi (Viladoms), Gerard (Farres) and I worked very hard on that this year. It has been a difficult rally for both the organisers and the competitors, due to our lack of experience in racing on this continent, but we have all risen to that challenge. What really made this Dakar special were the people of Argentina and Chile who were so welcoming and enthusiastic.

Cyril Despres (Red Bull KTM) 2nd (at 1h25'38)
Another Dakar and another podium -- but unfortunately not another victory. Still, in many ways, it is a personal triumph. When, after three days, I found myself in twenty second position I was forced to dig deep to find the determination, not just to continue riding, but to continue racing. Rally-raid on a motorcycle is a sport for egoists. But the Dakar is also a school of life and teaches you that to receive you have to give. KTM, the people in my team, my sponsors, my fiance, my family and my friends give me a great deal of support and it was in my gratitude to them that I found the strength to fight all the way to the end. Congratulations to Marc for a truly excellent race.

Jordi Viladoms (Repsol KTM) 7th (2h28'29)
I am very happy for Marc and also happy with my work, which allows me, in a modest way, to share in his victory. We worked very hard, so to get the result we wanted is a great satisfaction. I am maybe not ready to win this race just yet, but I am still young and one day I will be. This Dakar has been an important step towards that goal.

Alain Duclos (Kaestle KTM) 32nd (at 13h41'38)
I am pleased that on the second half of the rally I was able to come back from my injury and be there for Cyril, and also pleased to have had the chance to be part of such a professional team.

Alex Doringer (KTM Team Manager)
I am obviously delighted with the result and Marc's performance. I am also proud of the way Cyril fought back -- it is the mark of a champion. To take the first and second places is not down to chance, but is the fruit of hard work by the whole team, both here on the rally and back at the factory. Congratulations also to ASO for succeeding in pulling off what was a formidable challenge.

-credit: ktm