Despres' double Dakar

By TMX Archives on 25th Jan 07

Motocross

CYRIL Despres, winner of the Dakar Rallye in 2005, clinched his second Dakar success in three years with a controlled final stage performance around Lac Rose in Dakar following a dramtic final week in the infamous event that saw run-away event leader Marc Coma, 2006 champion, dramatically crash out of the race and hand Despres an easy win.

The Team Gauloises KTM rider began the last 16km special 36 minutes ahead of team mate David Casteu. But Despres rode cautiously over the potentially treacherous final kilometres to record the 56th fastest time and secure victory by the margin of 34m 19s.

''Even after my mechanical problems in Morocco I never gave up hope,'' said Despres. ''I had no pressure and just rode as well as I could each day. I knew that it was a long shot to take the overall victory, because Marc Coma was riding so well. His mistake was a big shock. To reach Dakar as the winner again is a fantastic feeling for me. It is a major boost to my confidence.''

American Chris Blais completed the podium line-up on his Red Bull Team KTM.

The leaderboard had been static for a long time but it was turned upside down on the penultimate long African stage between Kayes in Mali and Tambacounda in Sénégal, when long-term leader Coma crashed his Repsol KTM heavily after losing his way. The Spaniard's demise was the Frenchman's gain and the dramatic incident handed a comfortable lead to Despres.

Paul Broome and Stephen Malone were the only British finishers from seven starters in 101st and 106th positions, respectively.


2007 DAKAR RALLYE

Final Overall Standings

1 Cyril Despres (FRA - KTM)     51:36:53    00:00:00

2 David Casteu (FRA - KTM)     52:11:12    00:34:19

3 Chris Blais (USA - KTM)     52:28:59    00:52:06

4 Pal Anders Ullevalseter (NOR - KTM)     53:14:50    01:37:57

5 Helder Rodrigues (POR - Yam)     54:07:34    02:30:41

(1st in 450cc class)

6 Janis Vinters (LAT - KTM)     54:21:14    02:44:21

7 Michel Marchini (FRA - Yam)     54:37:20    03:00:27

(2nd in 450cc class)

8 Thierry Bethys (FRA - Hon)     55:03:26    03:26:33

(3rd in 450cc class)

9 Jaroslav Katrinak (SLQ - KTM)     55:17:03    03:40:10

10 Jacek Czachor (POL - KTM)     56:00:57    04:24:04

BRITISH OVERALL

101 Paul Broome (GB - Hon)     81:58:02    30:21:09

106 Stephen Malone (GB - KTM)     83:21:52    31:44:59

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