2019 Dakar Peru

Ross Branch and Kenny Gilbert arrived on the International stage as top rookies at this years’ Dakar

- Matt Smith

This years Dakar was an odd looking one at the beginning when it was announced that it would the first ever ‘one country’ Dakar in the massive history of this long running event. Peru, who played host to some of the nastiest, toughest and longest stages in last years event would be hosting all 10 stages in the ‘short’ Dakar.

But don’t be fooled. Short from the point of less stages would not mean that it would easier by any means and all who went into this year’s challenge thinking it would be easier due to less stages and distance were in for a painful shock. Almost entirely desert sand as far as the eye could see and long days in searing heat would be on the cards through the 2019 running of the event.

For the win in the bikes it looked like it would be an in house fight for the KTM trio of Matt Walkner, Toby Price and Sam Sutherland. The other Factory teams fielded by Honda HRC, Husqvarna, Sherco and Yamaha also made the top step come the end of the event a bit of a head scratcher…but the strong money was an another Orange bike win. In the KTM camp there was a question over Toby Prices fitness as a late season training crash whilst getting ready for Dakar had broken some bones in his wrist and he arrived at Dakar wounded but ready to fight with the latest wrist support and protection and no doubt some award winning painkillers at hand.

For SA there was plenty to celebrate and support. The strongest entry for the last few years saw the top two ranked and multiple off-road and cross country champions Ross Branch and Kenny Gilbert take on their ultimate challenge.