On The Pegs January 2019 - Volume 4 - Issue 1 | Page 112

On The Pegs
F
P 112
ollowing an incredible season, that saw Matthias Walkner crowned 2018
Dakar Rally Champion and Toby Price crowned FIM Cross-Country Rallies
World Champion, the focus has now switched firmly back to the Dakar and
the 2019 event that kicks off on January 6.
Setting off from Lima, the 2019 Dakar Rally will see riders compete for a total of
over 5,000 kilometres, 3,000 of which will be timed special stages. With the route
consisting of 70 percent sand dunes, the event will be like no other. The organis-
ers have billed the 41st edition as one of ‘unequalled intensity’ where navigation,
endurance and perhaps more importantly than ever, ultimate speed will be key to
a strong result.
Looking to defend his 2018 Dakar title, Matthias Walkner will head to Peru with
his confidence high. Despite a tricky start to this year’s world championship cam-
paign, Walkner soon found his rhythm onboard his KTM 450 RALLY. Strong finish-
es at the final few rounds of the season, including runner-up results at the Desafio
Inka and Rallye du Maroc, showed that the Austrian rider is on form and ready to
take on the Dakar once more.
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the bike in Peru and racing to defend
my title,” says Walkner. “There is a little bit of added pressure for me but my plan is
exactly the same as always – stay safe and do my best at the event. It’s difficult to