Mohamed Balooshi (KTM)

KTM'S MOHAMED BALOOSHI SET TO MAKE HISTORY AT THE 2012 DAKAR RALLY

Reigning Arabian Motorcycle champion, Mohamed Balooshi will make history when he becomes the first UAE national to take part in the motorcycle class of the famous Dakar Rally, one of the toughest endurance races known to man.

Sporting the number 67, Balooshi is making his debut in the 33rd version of the rally on behalf of the KTM-UAE Rally Team, which has a developed a four-year ‘Road to Dakar’ program with the objective of entering a full, UAE-based team into the race.

Speaking from the rally’s base camp in the Argentinean coastal city of Mar Del Plata, Balooshi said: “Despite the 36 hour trip here, I’ve been feeling great. I’ve never felt as excited as I did when I arrived here. The Dakar Rally is the talk of the country, with signs and adverts everywhere. The Argentineans have been so friendly and enthusiastic, with everyone wanting to talk about the race and how excited they are to see it begin.

“The weather has also been surprisingly good. I came prepared for extreme cold, which I know we are still likely to encounter during the 4th stage of the race when we start gaining altitude in the mountains,” Balooshi added.

While he is competing as the sole representative of the KTM-UAE Rally Team, Balooshi will benefit from having the KTM Factory Rally Team on-site to provide comprehensive support to the Arabian champion and his KTM 450 RALLY bike throughout the course of the grueling race.

The 2012 Dakar Rally is being hosted in South America for the fourth consecutive year. Starting on new year’s day in Mar Del Plata, Argentina, and ending on 15th January in Lima, Peru, the race consists of 14 rounds in total - five in Argentina, five in Chile and four in Peru.

“Despite this being my first time competing in this race, I’ve worked hard to prepare for the thrills and excitement that come with facing this challenge,” said Balooshi. “Obviously I come from a desert background, but when it comes to this year’s Dakar, we’re talking about three countries that take you through a variety of terrain unlike anything I’ve experienced in the UAE.”

Balooshi, who can boast three Arab Championships, two Gulf Championships and nine UAE Championships, added: “This race will be a unique experience for me. While I’ve won a number of championships back home, when it comes to Dakar, there’s no pressure from the team for me to climb the podium. Especially considering it’s my first participation, and I’m up against legends like last year’s champion, Marc Coma, and triple Dakar winner, Cyril Despres. But I always strive for the best when competing against top names in any event”.

Balooshi is able to represent the UAE and Arab world in this year’s Dakar Rally thanks to the support of numerous partners, including KTM-UAE, Redbull, Geodis Wilson, Volkswagen, FibraFoil and the Al Shafar Group.

Tim Trenker, Managing Partner of KTM-UAE, commented: “The Dakar Rally is an amazing opportunity for Balooshi and the KTM-UAE team to show the world that the UAE can produce champions capable of competing on an international level alongside the likes of Coma and Despres. We have no doubts in Mohammad’s abilities as a rider, and are delighted to have the support of an equally dedicated team of sponsors to help him complete this journey.”

KTM is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of off-road racing motorbikes, street motorcycles and quads. The Austrian brand produces the bike of choice for motocross racing and dune riding. It has enjoyed unprecedented success around the world and can boast the current Dakar Rally bike champion as well as numerous 2011 world titleholders.