Toby Price writes his name into the record books

By Bike Review • 9 years ago •

Toby Price is the toast of the nation after becoming the first Australian to win the Dakar Rally.

The KTM Factory Red Bull Rally Racing Team star secured his first overall victory in the iconic event from just his second attempt with fourth place in the final stage overnight.

Maitland?s Price stamped his authority on the bike category from the minute racing commenced, taking an outstanding five stage wins across the gruelling two week event.

He eventually finished as the winner of the motorcycle category by 39 minutes and 41 seconds ahead of Slovakian Stefan Svitko.

Motorcycling Australia (MA) CEO David Cottee commended Price on his exceptional victory, and also noted that this is one of the greatest moments in Australian Motorcycle history to date.

?Wow, just wow. I heard the news of Toby?s win this morning and I really couldn?t be more proud to be an Australian than at this moment,? Cottee shared.

?As a rider myself, I could not imagine just what Toby has had to put his mind and body through over the last two weeks, and this victory really is a testament to what a hardworking, tough and exceptionally talented rider he is.

?To not only take the Dakar win in the bike category, but to be the first Australian to do it, is an absolutely outstanding achievement, and I know myself, and the rest of the country have been behind Toby one hundred per cent over the last two weeks.?

Cottee also shared what he believes Price?s win has done for motorcycling in Australia, and thanked the 28-year-old for his contribution to the sport.

?What Toby has done for the sport in Australia in just a very short time really is exceptional,? he said.

?Nearly all of the major networks across all news platforms have reported on his victory, and really have rallied around Toby?s Dakar achievements. I think I can speak for all Australians when I say that we breed our riders tough down under, and the world is paying attention.

?This victory I?m sure means the world to Toby, and it certainly means the world to our country. On behalf of Motorcycling Australia and the entire motorcycling community I would like to congratulate Toby and can?t wait to shake his hand personally when he gets back to his home country.?

In celebrating Toby’s victory, make sure to check out his day-by-day reflections here (courtesy of the official Toby Price website – www.TP87.com.au).