Pic: F. Gooden
And what of the Australians?
All finished with impressive results. With Price an
outright contender it’s always hard to match his pace yet
Faggotter did his best.
The Yamaha Motors Australia rider finished 13th just
under 3 hours off the outright victory. It was Faggotter’s
best result at Dakar including a 6th place on stage 10.
“It was the most ‘in control’ and also best I have ever
ridden,” smiled Faggotter as he explained that the riders
ahead of him are the best in the world and all fulltime
athletes. “I’m pumped to be near them.”
“It’s nice to be at the end,” 58th placed Ben Young (Du-
ust Rally Team) laughed. “It’s been a hard slog.”
Young too had a great result after taking part last year
as a ‘rookie’.
Last finisher overall was BAS Dakar KTM Racing Team
rider Matt Tisdall. Last? Ninety-sixth? Consider this,
Tisdall has only been riding for 6 years … and he’s taken
on Dakar and finished.
Tisdall said he didn’t find the event much fun when he
was finishing each day in the dark, especially amongst
the rocks.
“I’ve got the feeling that I’m not quick enough to finish
before nightfall,” he quipped. A Dakar champion no less.
The Originals By Motul, the Mallee Moto class, is the
greatest test of Dakar. The riders are on their own, day
after day; no crew, no support. To take part in this class
is enough for most to be considered a true adventurer.
Step up Trevor Wilson.
Wilson took part in the ‘Originals’ and finished in a
well-respected 76th place and earned himself a place as a
Dakar legend.
TRAVERSE 17