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For the sixth time , the Dakar classic was held amongst the dunes of Saudi Arabia ’ s Empty Quarter , an unforgiving land to test all competitors .
The forty-seven holding of the world ’ s toughest motorsport event witnessed seventy-seven bikes return from the desert , a round trip of almost seven and half thousand kilometres , a test of man and machine . A third of all entrants failed to finish this year ’ s event .
Since its inception , nothing has come close to replicating the race that can often only be described as brutal . Mechanical reliability and physical endurance are paramount , yet it ’ s a resilience of mind that is required to succeed at Dakar .
Dakar maintains a reputation as an adventure through the deserts that creates legends as quickly as it takes them away , this year ’ s event was no different .
Austrian manufacturer , KTM returned to the top step , as did Australia with Daniel Sanders claiming his first victory . The Victorian based bee farmer became just the second rider from down under to secure the coveted title , following in the footsteps of 2016 and 2018 champion , Toby Price .
Pic : ASO / C . Lopez & Matteo Gebbia / Edophoto
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