Acerbis Race Report Dakar Rally 2006

Monday, 23 January 2006

93 bikers, 67 car crews and 33 trucks eventually made it to the finish line of the 28th Euromilhoes-Lisboa-Dakar. Spaniard Marc Coma was crowned for the first time.

In memory of the two children that sadly died during the passage of the Dakar caravan in Guinea and Senegal, the Lac Rose special was not timed. The official times for the final standings of the 28th Euromilhoes-Lisboa-Dakar were therefore those registered after stage 14 between Tambacounda and Dakar.

The traditional final apotheosis this morning was naturally not as cheerful. The competitor’s joy that dream of this final lap of the Lac Rose was tarnished by the sadness linked to the losses of biker Andy Caldecott, Boubacar Diallo and Mohamed N’Daw.
The podium ceremony was therefore purely symbolic with the sporting aspect already decided before the last few days in all three categories. On two wheels, Marc Coma’s final victory could have been predicted in Lisbon at the start of the event. The Spaniard indeed looked to be the main rival of title holder Cyril Despres. He confirmed after riding a very solid and smart race that the Spanish curse that had hit Jordi Arcarons and Nani Roma in the past no longer existed.
However, the battle between the two big favourites didn’t quite happen as planned.
Cyril Despres’ goal to take it nice and easily at a decent pace before trying to hit hard in the Mauritanian stages, was troubled by a big crash at km 273 of the stage going from Tan Tan to Zouerat. The Frenchman suffered a dislocated shoulder but courageously decided to carry on managing a few fine specials like the one heading to Nouakchott when he took his team mate David Casteu to a first ever success, or the one going to Kiffa when he gained a few precious minutes on Coma. Cyril Despres finished the rally with four special wins under the belt but also some very bad navigation choices like on the penultimate stage (losing over 40’).
Isidre Esteve could have been Despres successor and keep the title within the KTM-Gauloises team, but after a fall during the Nouakchott – Kiffa stage, the Spaniard was forced to quit the race and had to go through surgery for a ruptured spleen. The leading trio now only had one big gun left: Marc Coma. He was to claim his first ever success “for Andy Caldecott” his KTM-Repsol team mate…
While the 2006 Dakar title remained among the favourites, quite a few bikers proved to be the men of the future. Portugal’s Faria and Rodrigues, that didn’t only show what they could do on home soil, impressed for their first Dakars. David Casteu, that was starting his first Dakar as an official rider, perfectly managed his role as a support rider but also captured a first ever stage success and finished 8th overall. Alain Duclos, winner of the Marathon class thanks to his 7th spot overall, flew to victory in Bamako, his native town. US bikers Chris Blais, 4th this year and Jonah Street, 17th for his first appearance on the Dakar will be riders to watch in the upcoming years.
The specific standing for the privateers with no assistance was won by Frenchman Patrice Carillon (29th overall). The women’s race was won by Patricia Watson-Miller, after leader and title holder Ludivine Puy broke her pelvis heading to Tambacounda.

Marc Coma brought the Dakar title back to spain; Photo: Peuker

Marc Coma (SPA - KTM - 1st overall, Acerbis plastics):

"Firstable, I want to dedicate my victory to Andy (Caldecott). It’s a bit difficult to realize now that I’ve just won Le Dakar. But I’ll be able to realize it slowly while thinking of all the people who helped me. I’m going to celebrate this victory with them. Anyway it’s a strange feeling to express. But for sure the victory wouldn’t have been possible without all the members of my team, especially Jordi Arcarons."

Giovanni Sala has a smile for any situation; Photo: dppi

Giovanni Sala (ITA - KTM - 3rd overall, Acerbis gear and plastics):

"Yesterday, it was very difficult. I got lost and was tense since I could see the American. So I took risks and rode fast to make I’ll stay third. And I am on the podium just a few minutes ahead. And I am "contentissimo". I started very safely on this Dakar. I had not breally tested the boke before. The first two stages in Morocco were dangerous, and many riders were riding to fast. But day by day, I felt myself much more at ease and got closer to the leaders. If I had been told in Lisbon that I would be in the top 5 in Dakar, I would have signed for it immediatly. And I am on the podium! Really, it is so great!"

Carlo de Gavardo crossing the Mauritanian desert, Photo: dppi

Carlo de Gavardo (CHI - KTM - 5th overall, Acerbis gear and plastics):

"The most important in this race is to arrive in Dakar. Words can’t express the feeling you have when you reach the Lac Rose. For me, it is the result for all the work we have done for almost one year. Very few people can realise how hard you have to work to be in the top 5.

Being here is fabulous. I am ready to suffer on his bike, so I really appreciate what being here means. Actually, it is unique."

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 USAKTM), 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