RIEJU’S 2021 DAKAR DEBUT
Rieju’s first participation in the Dakar dates back to 2009. The brand then developed two large displacement Enduro models (Marathon 250 and 450) and debuted with three motorcycles integrated into the Tot Curses team. This first participation was followed by two others, the Marathon 450 production machine was the bike of the official Rieju team. We took a victory with the rider Filippo Ciotti in 2011, in the standard production class.
Fast forward to 2021, and despite Saudi Arabia’s cancellation of all commercial flights and closing its borders in December because of COVID concerns, the oldest OEM in Spain, and newest player in the U.S. off-road market, Rieju was on the starting line for the Dakar Rally. “Fortunately, the logistics of the event have been resolved and participation of our team is guaranteed,” claims Rieju race director Miguel Garcia. “Our vehicles and technical equipment are already in Jeddah and our riders are looking forward to making history with Rieju.”
Led by Joan Pedrero – with more than 700,000 kilometres travelled in the desert – he is no rookie. The rider from Canet de Mar arrives at his 13th Dakar with a couple of stage wins (2014 and 2017), as well as finishing 5th overall in 2011 and 2013, and 16th in 2020. “Facing this new Dakar with a new team, with Rieju, makes me very excited, almost as if it was the first,” he says. “We have trained hard for this edition and I am convinced that we will make a good team between the three riders. We have experience, many kilometres travelled, and I rely on experience to make a good position.” |