Sherco TVS Factory team kickstarts their Fifth Dakar Rally in Peru
The Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team kick-starts their Dakar Rally 2019 journey with a ceremonial flag off held in Lima, Peru. This is the fifth consecutive participation of the team in the iconic Dakar Rally. This year, the team comprises of four riders – Michael Metge (France), Adrien Metge (France), Aravind KP (India) and Lorenzo Santolino (Spain).
The Dakar Rally 2019 will see the team traverse a distance of over 5000 kilometers across 10 stages. Among these 3000 kilometers will cover special stages. The Rally route, unlike the previous one, comprises of a substantial section of sand dunes which is bound to 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. This motorcycle is equipped with specially designed pistons, 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 of the rally began on 7th January. It covers 331 Km long route out of which 84 Km stretch will be in the special category. In this special category, riders will encounter soaring temperatures of the Pisco Valley.
Dakar Rally 2019 – Route
Dakar Rally Route is divided into 10 stages,
Stage 1: Lima to Pisco. 331 Km with special stretch of 84 Km.
Stage 2: Pisco to San Juan de Marcona. 553 with special stretch of 342 Km.
Stage 3: San Juan de Marcona to Arequipa. 798 Km with special stretch of 331 Km.
Stage 4: Arequipa to Moquegua. 511 Km with special stretch of 405 Km.
Stage 5: Moquegua to Arequipa. 776 Km with special stretch of 345 Km.
(Rest Day) in Arequipa
Stage 6: Arequipa to San Juan de Marcona. 838 Km with special stretch of 336 Km.
Stage 7: San Juan de Marcona to San Juan de Marcona. 387 Km with special stretch of 323 Km.
Stage 8: San Juan de Marcona to Pisco. 575 Km with special stretch of 360 Km.
Stage 9: Pisco to Pisco. 409 Km with special stretch of 313 Km.
Stage 10: Pisco to Lima. 359 Km with special stretch of 112 Km.
Total Distance is 5537 Kilometers with special stretch of 2951 Kilometers. Dakar rally 2019 will finish on 17th January 2019.
[…] 7th January. 331 Km Stage 1 including 84 Km of special stretch is now completed. Michael Metge of Sherco TVS Rally Factory Team finished Stage 1 securing 12th […]
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