Dakar motorcycle debutant Pierre Saeys (Husqvarna) ultimately finished 67th in his first Dakar. A result that the Antwerp resident is particularly proud of. Stefan Carmans (Red-Lined) finished as the third best debutant among the cars.
Halfway through the Dakar, Saeys was 71st. The first ride after the rest day was immediate. “It was a 14-hour working day on the motorcycle then. During the second week I alternated good days with less good days. I made my first and only big mistake on Thursday. After 80 km I rolled over and fell on my head and left shoulder. I could barely move my shoulder. For a moment I thought my race was over. I kept trying and forcing my shoulder until suddenly I heard a ‘pop’, everything was in place and I was mobile again.”
Saeys was able to leave with some damage to his eyes. “My glasses were broken, the visor of my helmet broke off. I continued riding at 60% of my ability. I was in the bivouac just before dark. After the physio had done its work, I felt miserable, but I didn’t think about giving up. I finally made it to the finish line. The discharge was great and a lot of emotions were involved. What a rally. And yes, I finally got that medal that I have been dreaming about for 35 years.”
Among the cars, Stefan Carmans (Red-Lined) also reached the finish of his first Dakar. “I never really got into any problems and was able to finish every stage well. If you stay out of trouble every day and can maintain a good pace, you will succeed. In the end I finished 34th and I am the third best debutant. At the finish it was total euphoria. My wife is also my team manager. It was very emotional for both of us.”