Cyril Despres has claimed his fourth Dakar crown by completing his victory in the 2012 Dakar Rally, with fellow Red Bull riders Marc Coma and Helder Rodrigues in second and third.
Despres' victory was all but confirmed yesterday when close rival Coma suffered gearbox problems on Stage 13 and in today's short 29km stage, Despres did enough to add another title to the ones he won in 2005, 2007 and 2010.
Norway's Pal Anders Ullevalseter won the final stage from Pisco to Lima, with Coma in second place, but Despres' lead was such that he could afford to come home in 10th place and still seal victory.
'This is without a shadow of a doubt the toughest Dakar I've ever raced in' – Cyril Despres
"Today we won and it's simply fantastic," Despres said. "This is without a shadow of a doubt the toughest Dakar I've ever raced in. It was difficult physically, but even more psychologically. Challenging yourself every morning and fighting on the course takes its toll on your mind. It's not like a 42-kilometre marathon; here, you have to earn your place every morning.
"All victories are beautiful, but this one is special because it came down to the wire and was decided at the last minute. This was an unimaginable scenario, with the leaders separated by mere seconds.
"I've done 90 or 85 rallies throughout my life, and this one was the one where I had to fight the hardest. Today will leave its mark on me."
Check back in to www.redbull.com soon for more reaction from the riders
Want more?
- Check out Marc Coma's profile page
- Visit redbull.com's Dakar 2012 event page
- More Red Bull motor sports
- Dakar 2012: Ones to Watch | Bikes
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