28-year-old NSW rider Toby Price has made history by becoming the first ever Australian to claim victory in the Dakar Rally, taking out the bike category of the off-road endurance race in Argentina.
He started the last day with a commanding lead of 37 minutes, and on the final 180km leg, to Rosario, he extended this to 39:41. Even more impressive is the fact that this was the Aussie’s second crack at the race – last year, he finished third.
?? #Dakar2016 – OFFICIAL PODIUM – BIKES ??
1. @tobyprice87
2. @stefansvitko +39’41”
3. @quintanilla102 +48’48” pic.twitter.com/V4wmF2gp3v
— DAKAR RALLY (@dakar) January 16, 2016
After his win, Price told media:
“I don’t know what to say, I don’t know what to think. I’m in shock. I never would’ve thought I could win this race in my second participation. This is incredible for my family, my friends and my fans back in Australia. Winning in my second participation is awesome, but being the first Australian to win the Dakar is just insane. I would’ve never imagined this two years ago. Finishing the rally is already a triumph. Winning it is amazing.”
First Australian to win Gold at Dakar! ????
Read my Stage 13 recap at https://t.co/wx4DGYrGjV! pic.twitter.com/JqcNApQwEH
— Toby Price (@tobyprice87) January 16, 2016
Asked about his strategy for victory, Price said:
“I tackled the race in true Aussie style. I attacked when I had to, when the time was right, and I kept an eye on my bike during the all-important marathon stages. I also navigated rather well. I hope this is just the start, to win again. It won’t be easy, so I’ve got to savour this victory.”
Elsewhere, French veteran Stephane Peterhansel won his 12th overall Dakar Rally this year, taking out his sixth victory in the car category after winning six times on a bike.
He told media that he considers the victory to be in the “top three” of his career, although it remains conditional, as he is being investigated over a rival team’s claims that he refuelled illegally in an earlier stage.
Story: Fairfax
Photo: Toby Price / Twitter
Photo: Toby Price / Twitter
