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| 02.04.2010 |
| Marc Coma takes fourth victory
in Desert Challenge |
| KTM factory rider Marc Coma of Spain has opened
his account in the competition for Rally World
Champion in style on Thursday when he won the Desert
Challenge in Abu Dhabi for the fourth time. |
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Coma dominated the open class, 2-wheel category on his KTM 690
rally bike throughout the five stage event on the shifting
sands. But he was closely shadowed especially in the final two
days and had to fight hard to convert his 10-minute lead into
overall victory in the open class.
Britain's James West, also a KTM rider, rode to a valiant
second overall after a fast and furious final stage. David
Casteu (Sherco) was third overall. Sean Gaugain of South
Africa (Honda) had looked set for a minor place but crashed
and broke his leg in the final stage.
After securing a tactical starting position after the opening
Super Special Coma edged ahead on day one and took the stage
victory by five minutes. Riders had to cope with hot and humid
weather on day two which saw Coma finish the stage in fifth
but with still enough advantage to maintain his overall lead
albeit trimmed to just 3 minutes.
By the end of Stage 3, Coma had extended his overall lead to
12 minutes as riders battled their way through sand storms and
high winds. Coma went on to conquer the tough weather
conditions and the dunes in the last two stages to claim the
victory and top the podium for the fourth time.
Coma and fellow KTM factory rider Cyril Despres are the
dominant international riders in international rally and are
both multiple winners of this event. But Despres decided not
to compete this year after having already won the event five
times. Coma has also won here in Abu Dhabi in 2009, 2007 and
2006.
Riders onboard the Austrian sports motorcycle manufacturer's
bike have dominated the Desert Challenge going back to
Austrian Heinz Kinigadner's victory in 1998 and have won every
year except in 2000.
This year the competition covered more than 2,000 km through
spectacular desert terrain to once again underline that this
really is the Desert Challenge.
Overall Results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM
2. James West, Britain, KTM
3. David Casteu, France, Sherco
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| Coma again conquers the Desert Challenge |
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| KTM's Marc Coma underlines his dominance in world
class rally |
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