2023-12-14 05:16:22
Even before the official start of the 46th edition of the Dakar, there is excitement in the Red Bull KTM camp. The training camp in the USA turned out to be a mistake; of the three pilots, only Toby Price survived the preparation unscathed. In his tenth Dakar participation, Price is aiming for another top result.
«My tenth overall and my ninth participation for the KTM factory team. “I had two wins, one second and three third places – it would be great to get another win on my tenth attempt,” speculated the 36-year-old. «The Dakar is like no other race. Of course, driving is hard work, fun and tiring, but I love the way everyone comes together to complete the race. I’m in good physical shape and the bike is good – we’re definitely ready to compete in the 2024 Dakar.”
Things aren’t looking so good for the rest of the team. Due to Matthias Walkner’s unfortunate fall in the USA, the Austrian was out for months, and the 37-year-old sometimes decided to retire following a series of injuries. And with Kevin Benavides’ season already marred by injuries, the 2023 Dakar winner also fell during preparation and injured his left leg, but it is expected that the Argentine will be fit once more in time.
«The Dakar means everything to me. This year was special because I won with KTM and had the honor of fighting with my teammate until the end. The rest of this year was really hard,” sighed Benavides. «After my Dakar victory I was full of self-confidence, but following that, when I broke my thigh at the beginning of the season and later my wrist, I hardly had any time on the bike. Behind the scenes I’ve been training as hard as I might to rebuild my fitness and mental strength, but it’s certainly been a difficult year.”
Despite the weakening of KTM, one must not forget that GASGAS and Husqvarna, other strong teams from the Pierer Mobility Group, will take part in the toughest rally and work together once morest the strong Honda line-up of six factory riders.
“We are really looking forward to the Dakar – the motorcycles are ready to go and we are technically well prepared,” said team manager Andreas Hölzl. «Toby is extremely motivated. He had a strong 2023 season and is in good shape, well trained and fully focused on the Dakar. Although Kevin is not yet at 100 percent following his small crash, he also has his sights set on Dakar success. He is confident and should be almost fully fit by the start of the race in January.”
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