Despres wins Desert Challenge

From KTM Racing

KTM factory rider Cyril Despres of France has taken his fifth Desert Challenge victory in eight years, proving again he is king on sand and marking him as a strong favourite for the coming 2009 Dakar Rally in South America.

Despres rode a powerful race virtually throughout the rally and finished some 14 minutes ahead of second-placed Francisco Lopez of Chile and Britain's James West. Despres and Lopez were onboard KTM Rally Replica/690 machines while West rode a KTM 690.

KTM riders Alain Duclos (France) and Jordi Viladoms (Spain) were fourth and fifth in the event, which was the first time, after the last minute cancellation of the Dakar in January 2008 that many riders had the opportunity to test themselves against the desert sands.

"It's really amazing. I am really, really happy," Despres said. "Today was very fast and I didn't push myself too hard because I didn't want any problems. This is definitely the best rally, especially with all the support and the reassurance of the rescue teams. They may have moved the Dakar to another country, but please do not move the Desert Challenge because it is so unique."

Glory in the first three stages was shared by Despres and fellow KTM factory rider Marc Coma of Spain. The two contrived in stage two to slow down the pace of the race and engage in a tactical battle that left Coma first out of the start for stage three and Despres trailing by just four minutes.

But after a great charge Coma ran out of petrol almost in sight of the finish line, leaving Despres with the slightest of overall leads - just four seconds at the close of stage three. It looked like Coma's bid for a hat trick of victories in the Desert Challenge was in jeopardy.

Despres then led the field out on stage four and was still in front 314km later at the finish line, this time with a significant lead after Coma experienced technical difficulties. The Spaniard at least had the satisfaction of being fastest rider on the final day but it was Despres who was the clear overall winner 14 minutes and 14 seconds ahead of Lopez.

Results Motorcycles Open
1. Cyril Despres, France, KTM Rally Replica/690, 19:22:51
2. Francisco Lopez, Chile, KTM Rally Replica/690,19:37:31
3. James West, Britain, KTM 690/690, 20:09:10
4. Alain Duclos, France, KTM/690, 20:31:40
5. Jordi Viladoms, Spain, KTM Rally Replica/690, 20:32:27
6. Miran Stanovnik, Slovenia, KTM Rally Replica/690, 20:49:08
7. Tim Trenker, Germany, KTM 0/660, 20:53:52
8. Paul Rivet, France, KTM LC4/660, 21:04:01
9. Jakub Przygonski, Poland, KTM Rally Replica/690 21:08:50
10. Jacek Czachor, Poland, KTM/450, 30:22:38