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. Fellow KTM factory riders Cyril Despres finished second overall.
Yamaha’s David Fretigne finished out the rally in third.
“I can’t describe the feeling – happy doesn’t even come close” Coma said. “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 organizers 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.” “Another Dakar and another podium – but unfortunately not another victory,” Despres said. “Still, in many ways, it is a personal triumph. When, after three days, I found myself in 22nd 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 fiancé, 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.”
Provisional results for final Stage 14
1. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, KTM
2. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM
3. Cyril Despres, France, KTM
4. Jordi Viladoms, Spain, KTM
5. David Casteu, France, KTM
6. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
7. Frans Verhofen, Netherlands, KTM
8. Teus Visser, Netherlands, KTM
9. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands, KTM
10. Gerard Farres Guell, Spain, KTM
48. Alain Duclos, France, KTM.
Provisional final overall standings for Dakar 2009
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM
3. David Fretigne, France, Yamaha
4. David Casteu, France, KTM
5. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, KTM
6. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM
7. Jordi Viladoms, Spain, KTM
8. Frans Verhofen, Netherlands, KTM
9. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands, KTM
10. Paulo Goncalves, Portugal, Honda
32. Alain Duclos, France, KTM
