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Wow . What a feeling ! That 10-minute period waiting at the end of the final stage to see if I ’ d won felt like a lifetime ,” explained Sam Sunderland as the Brit let it sink in that he had won his second Dakar and first for
Spanish motorcycle brand , GASGAS .
Leading the race from stage two through to the end of stage six , the Dakar began perfectly for Sunderland . A near flawless ride throughout the two-week event , he delivered the goods on multiple occasions when the pressure was on .
“ Amazing , simply amazing !” said Norbert Stadlbauer , GASGAS team manager . “ This Dakar was a really challenging race , right until the very end , so to win , it ’ s an incredible achievement .”
Sam ’ s second Dakar victory is not just an incredible personal achievement , it also marks the return of the title to the KTM AG Company . With 19 wins in the last 22 years , Sunderland ’ s victory reaffirms the group ’ s commitment and ongoing success at the world ’ s toughest rally raid .
GASGAS , although a Spanish brand , falls under the umbrella of KTM AG which in turn is owned by Pierer Mobility and Bajaj Auto . It ’ s a complicated family affair that includes Husqvarna Motorcycles and WP Suspension . It matters little , this was a win for GASGAS .
“ Everyone on the team has worked so hard to achieve this and it ’ s a true team effort ,” praised Sunderland .
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