Lima, January 06, 2019: The Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team began their Dakar 2019 journey with a ceremonial flag off held in Lima, Peru today. This is the fifth consecutive participation of the team in the iconic Dakar Rally. This year, the team boasts of 4 riders – Michael Metge (France), Adrien Metge (France), Aravind KP (India) and Lorenzo Santolino (Spain).
The Dakar 2019 will see the team traverse a distance of 5000 kilometers across 10 stages with special stages of 3000 kilometers. The Rally route, unlike the previous one comprises of a substantial section of sand dunes, will test the navigational skills, endurance and techniques of the riders.
The Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team is riding on the new Dakar-spec RTR 450 Rally motorcycle. The motorcycle boasts of an improved cooling system and an enhanced top speed of 180 kmph. The motorcycle is equipped with specially designed pistons and a new diaphragm spring clutch and higher capacity fuel tank. The Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team has trained in Morocco, Spain and France in the international race calendar.
David Casteu, Team Manager, Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team said, “The Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team has been training for Dakar extensively over the past year with impressive performances across International Rallies. The team this year shares a great camaraderie, skills and are hungry for a top 10 finish. Along with this winning combination, we are backed by an experienced technical crew who will help us maintain the RTR 450 Dakar motorcycle through the duration of the Rally. We have raced in Peru before, which is an added advantage. Overall, we are positive about exceeding our past performance in the 41st Edition of Dakar.”
Stage 1, which begins on January 7th, will be a 247 kilometers stretch with 84 kilometers of special where they will encounter soaring temperatures of the Pisco Valley.
Dakar 2019 - Route
Stage 1: Lima - Pisco
Stage 2: Pisco - San Juan de Marcona
Stage 3: San Juan de Marcona - Arequipa
Stage 4: Arequipa - Moquegua
Stage 5: Moquegua – Arequipa
(Rest Day)
Stage 6: Arequipa - San Juan de Marcona
Stage 7: San Juan de Marcona - San Juan de Marcona
Stage 8: San Juan de Marcona - Pisco
Stage 9: Pisco - Pisco
Stage 10: Pisco – Lima
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Hero MotoSports Team Rally’s flag-off at Dakar Rally 2019
The most gruelling race on the planet, the Dakar Rally, flagged off its 41st edition in all its glory and showmanship at Lima, the capital city of Peru today. This edition of Dakar Rally marks the 3rd year of participation for India’s Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the rally racing division of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd.
The three riders of Hero MotoSports Team Rally – Oriol Mena (Competitor no. 7), Joaquim Rodrigues (Competitor no. 27) and C S Santosh (Competitor no. 50) - rolled off the ceremonial podium, in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans assembled in the beautiful seaside district of Magdalena Del Mar to give a warm send off to the participants.
The team is confident and upbeat about their prospects at the Dakar 2019 riding on the back of some strong performances, intense training sessions and a much improved Hero 450 RR bike since the Dakar last year. Another big positive for the team is the comeback of Joaquim Rodrigues, who has undergone intensive rehabilitation after his injury at the Dakar last year.
Having completed all the administrative and technical checks successfully, the team is now raring to kick start their Dakar 2019 campaign with the first stage on 7th January that will take the rally from Lima to Pisco for a short warm up special of 84kms.
Mr. Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero MotoSports Team Rally: “We are quite excited to be here at the Dakar 2019 for our 3rd year now. We have had good preparations this year with some good performances in the races and experience under our belt. The team has shaped up well both mentally and physically and we are very happy with the improvements made on the bike as well. JRod is also back with the team so overall, there is a lot of positivity in the camp. We can never predict an outcome in the Dakar, so our first aim is still to get the riders and bikes safely across the finish line every day.”
C.S Santosh (Comp No: 50): “I am very optimistic about our performance at the Dakar this year. This will be my third Dakar with Hero MotoSports and fifth overall. It has been a very exciting three years and I’m geared up for yet another rendezvous. There is a positive energy in the entire team and we can feel it here. The preparation has been good and the motivational levels are high, I can’t wait for the first stage to get started.”
Oriol Mena (Comp No: 7): “I had a great year and this also raises the stakes for me at Dakar 2019, so I have been training hard and target to advance my performance this year. Dakar is a very exciting and thrilling encounter for a rider. I am feeling thoroughly upbeat about riding with my team amidst an exceptionally talented group of competitors.”
Joaquim Rodrigues (Comp No: 27): “I am extremely excited about the start of my ride again, after my accident at Dakar 2018. The recovery has been tough and long. I have been training particularly hard with a focus on arriving at the finish line safely. This will be my third Dakar and I’m very excited to be riding with my team again and hopeful of delivering a good performance. I am charged up and hopeful that I will put-up a great show at Dakar this year.”
Dr. Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd: “The entire team is enthusiastic and absolutely ready for Dakar 2019. Considering at this high-octane event, which is anticipated to be even tougher than last year, our focus remains on finishing the Rally. This year has been very good for the Team in terms of trainings and preparations as it has participated in events across the globe and delivered strong finishes. We aim to ride that momentum in the upcoming Dakar Rally in January. I, along with the many fans and supporters, wish them good luck and all the best.”



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