To tackle a task like the Dakar you not only need to be very well-prepared, both physically as well as mentally, the mechanical reliability also has to be assured, with all the little details taken care of and ready for any eventuality.
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Anticipating the different scenarios that a rider may find when they are in the middle of nowhere can make a big difference; simply being able to carry on in the race or being forced to abandon. That is why when you take a closer look at the bike that will be ridden by the Repsol team in the forthcoming Lisbon – Dakar you appreciate the numerous details that are essential to take on the African continent.
Firstly, a certain amount of instruments are needed to orientate yourself in the desert, located at the front on top of the handlebar. In a race where navigation plays such a crucial role like the Dakar the essential material is the following: a roadbook, a GPS, two tripometers and a GPS repeater, this indicates the degrees on the compass from 0º to 359º.
On the other hand the KTM 690 Rally has several resources for other minor mishaps, such as tools, spares and even a Swiss army knife to help them on the way to the Pink Lake. Especially important are the emergency supplies, such as the First-aid kit and the two potable water containers, specifically mentioned in the rules, for when a rider finds himself stranded in the desert. The final piece in this section is a device called Iritrack, this communicates with the race organisers via satellite so that the exact position of the rider at any moment can be plotted.
Moreover, the official riders like Marc Coma, are technically allowed a spare wheel. Obviously they do not carry it on them but if it is needed the “mochileros “ – assistant riders – can give them theirs whilst they, thanks to a spare inner-tube and bottles of compressed air, repair the puncture and finish the stage.
In summary, a job prepared down to the last detail so that when the chance of assistance is zero or less the available resources can be used to maximum efficiency.
