Dec 22, 2010

Dakar 2011: Le he Perdido Tanto, Mi Amor

When Thomas Berglund presented his souped up Husaberg FE 450 rally bike a few days ago and announced he would be riding the 'Berg instead of his usual KTM for this his fifth Dakar, I knew it was really here, it was really and finally time for the Dakar 2011. I've been waiting all year for this and most of you know it.
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Berglund says he switched bikes primarily due to the new 450cc regulations for the elite riders. The bike is about 20kg lighter and the engine layout provides easier handling, crucial for the Dakar. Other sweet features include fuel injection that automatically adjusts to big elevation changes and a very strong gearbox that keeps the oil cleaner longer. Berglund also admits that he hasn't had much seat time and, well, that can make any man a little jumpy.
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Berglund is riding on Team Scandinavia along with Pal Anders Ullevalseter (Norway, Number 6, KTM, 2nd place last year) and Ronnie Bodinger (Sweden, Number 103, Husaberg – first Dakar).
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In other news. . . I knew it! I knew Califano wouldn't switch to four wheels. In a moment of unbridled glee, Califano notoriously squealed, “There is more than rugby for maturing in life!” Old Geezers rock. He claimed last year that it would be his final year on two wheels. But y'know, how could he resist? He's on KTM Red Bull Team this year with the legendary Cyril Despres. Last year, it was in the Dunes when Despres began to show his true colors and kick it up a notch. Despres won last year (his third win) with Ullevalseter right behind him and, surprising to me, Contardo taking third.
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Casteu is back after a nasty injury last year that put him out of the rally. All the regulars are back, Coma, Lopez, Fretigne, Verhoeven, Rodrigues, Street, Duclos, and for the ladies – Seel ('10 Dakar Ladies Cup Champion). Who could forget Annie Seel: Tomb Raider? Also returning: Pol, Giannetti, Meier, Liparoti. These ladies will be joined by a few newcomers.
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Dakar 2011: New Navigation rules forces riders to rely on old school navigation rather than GPS. Elite riders have mandatory 450cc regulations. 430 vehicles in the rally this year. The route this year goes to northern Argentina and Chile, to the Bolivian and Peru borders, a rest day at Arica, then the return trip to Buenos Aires. The more difficult stages will be in the second half, designed, Dakar said, to “maintain maximum suspense and create a crescendo of difficulty.” {smile} Like they didn't have that before?
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As always, go to Dakar.Com and for more info. And, of course, TheRaceShop.com.

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