Last week in the dunes of Saudi Arabia, Briton Sam Sunderland clung on to claim a memorable 2nd win at the Dakar Rally; which was also the 37th bike victory for French tyre manufacturer Michelin.
The 2022 Dakar Rally was an incredibly close affair after more than 4,000km of grueling stage action across a wide variety of hot, dusty and challenging terrain.
His Desert Race tyre choice fitted in combination with Michelin Bib Mousse inserts proved unbeatable over the mix of sandy, compact and rocky ground which was littered with sharp stones in many places. There were also several damp portions following a spell of heavy rain over the region, but his tyres shrugged off the punishment to deliver a successful combination of grip, low wear and stability.
With this victory Sunderland became the first rider to have won the Dakar with two different bikemakers (KTM and GasGas) since Frenchman Richard Sainct, who achieved the same feat 20 years earlier.
“The stage times were incredibly close this year,” he commented after the finish. “I would like to thank all those whose help and support made my victory possible. This one feels even sweeter than the first.”
The final standings saw fellow Michelin rider Matthias Walkner (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) finish on the third step of the podium, while Adrien Van Beveren (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team / Michelin) had to settle for fourth after leading the race twice at various stages.
Two-time Dakar victor Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) recovered from a tough start to pocket 10th place.
With 37 victories from a potential 44, Michelin is without doubt the most successful tyre maker in 2-wheel Dakar history.
