Dakar 2010: An Overview of the Competitors
"They might be able to limit the air intake of our KTM 690 rally engines with performance-limiting restrictors, but they cannot put a limit on our experience, our professionalism or our drive. We want to win!" - Cyril Despres
That's the spirit! Things are heating up for Dakar. I began eagerly anticipating Dakar back on 09-09-09 when I got juiced on the route, but a little concerned with rumors of new regulations limiting the race to 450's. I wasn't the only one upset. This brought forth a rowdy discussion all over. KTM promised to withdraw support of the rally feeling that this limit was aimed at KTM's 690's. Compromise was reached, sort of, with 690s allowed with a bridle.
And that, my friend, is when KTM rider Despres (Dakar winner '05 & '07) chimed in with his Booya statement above.
Dakar isn't all about Despres, of course. Let's randomly run through a few of the racers for Dakar '10. Joan Pedrero. Pedrero has swapped his 525 for a 690. Between the new bike, his increased physical conditioning and the bigger dunes (his strongpoint), Pedrero is looking to make the top 25 in this, only his second, Dakar. I think he might do it. Matter of fact, I'm feeling reckless. I'll bet Pedrero will finish ahead of Marc Coma ('06 & '09 victor), despite Coma's bold {snicker} assertion "The goal is victory." Dang. Nevermind, I take my bet back. Coma's tough to beat.
And continuing in the Marc category.... Marc Guasch, a little more humble than Coma (understandably), having switched to a Yamaha 450, is shooting for beating his 24th position in the '09 rally, which was his first Dakar. I'd like to see him hit the top 15 this time around, mainly because I like his hairdo, but the humility helps.
Moving on to the David category. David Fretigne (Yamaha) and David Casteu (Sherco) are returning in fine form, can they overcome Coma and Despres?
Helder Rodrigues is an impressive rider, no doubt, but seems mysteriously quiet about this rally.
What's hot this year? Eco-friendly, right? We're on it. Andre' Lenoble is your man. Environmentally conscious throughout the year, Lenoble will putz through the rally on bio-fuel. Lenoble will power his GX 450 BMW on E 85.
How about a lady, do we have a lady in the house? Big bets are on Dutch racer Mirjam Pol. This will be her fourth Dakar, having escalated each rally, finally taking the best woman's title in '09. "First of all, I battle it out with the girls and then with the other Dutch competitors." She conquered the women, can she conquer the Dutch? We'll see. She also faces "The Rally Princess." Annie Seel excitedly returns after a rough crash at last year's Dakar.
Frans Verhoeven is on the roster, but rumors of lack of funds abound. Is he racing? Is he not? Your guess is as good as mine. Every young girls' favorite, heartthrob Jonah Street returns on the Pan Am Team, seriously grieving after the loss of teammate Kevin Parks in an October crash. You know what I'd like to see, I'd like to see Andrew Neri in the top 25, he's been doing the hard work of assistance for years and now he's pursuing his dream. He's one I'll be watching closely.
Mr. "I ride hard from the first day. And then I ride even harder" Pal Ullevalseter returns yet again to prove that Scandinavians really are crazy. I think it's time for him to shift to four wheels. He's a wild card.
Speaking of old timers, Mame Less Diallo returns for his 12th Dakar, reminding us that the Dakar was born in Africa and just might get back there. Speaking of Aging Dakar Racers, Christian Califano returns on a bike this year, but claims it's his last year on two wheels. And Lawrence Hacking, the first Canadian to finish Dakar on a motorcycle back in '01, will attempt to become the first Canadian to finish in a four-wheeled vehicle. I'm cheering for him. Not sure why the Canadians aren't popular enduro junkies, but there's no time like the present, Eh?
Here's a complete list of Dakar bike entrants in pdf format. Pick a couple to follow and let's compare notes in January.
