Sam Sunderland wins the Dakar Rally
Sam Sunderland has become the first British rider to win the Dakar Rally since the event began back in 1979.
The 27-year-old finished 32 minutes ahead of teammate Matthias Walkner and crossed the line in Buenos Aires earlier today.
The rider from Dorset has come close to winning the event in the past, however he was forced to retire in 2012 and 2014 with mechanical problems - however Sunderland was able hold onto the lead over the final 64km and crossed the finish line with a commanding lead.
This victory is also the 16th year in a row that the title has been won on KTM machinery.
Sunderland said: 'when I crossed the line I felt all the emotion hit me. The weight on my shoulders of the race over the last week, leading the rally, has been really heavy.
'It's been difficult, especially in some of the moments with navigation mistakes or when things get stressful, to stay calm. But we're here, we did it, and I couldn't be any happier.'
14.01.2017 - Big Ed
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