The European tour continued yesterday with a stop in Milan, where the organisers were able to witness the excitement generated by the younger generation of motorcycle riders emerging in Italy.
Everyone knows Italians are skilled at creating a surprise. It was proven, once again, in Milan, where the number of guests on hand at the Deus Cafe theatre obliged organisers to hold not one but two press conferences ! The challenge obviously did not impress sporting director Marc Coma, who had a surprise of his own in presenting in the language of Dino Buzzati the outline of the 2017 Dakar in front of the Italian competitors and journalists. The country that has scored ten class victories (4 in the truck category for Vismara, Villa and Perlini and six in the bike division for Orioli and Meoni) is experiencing a resurgence with the arrival of a new generation led by riders Alessandro Botturi (8th in 2012) and Jacopo Cerutti (12th in his maiden participation). The audience had the chance to listen to one of Italy’s greatest Dakar competitors, Franco Picco, who finished 3rd in 1985 and who will possibly compete in the world’s most difficult race for the 25th time next January ! Clearly Picco had plenty of conviction in transmitting his passion. This is certainly what the assembly retained from the discussion of Toia Docleziano, who on the 2016 Dakar experienced the full range of glitches that beset riders who go it entirely on their own. Despite blowing out his knee, Docleziano made it to Rosario in 48th place…and is now preparing his return ! Before the month of January, a strong contingent of riders will be in action on the Afriquia Merzouga Rally from May 21st.
2017 Dakar: The stages
02/01: Asunción (PAR)-Resistencia (ARG)
03/01: Resistencia-San Miguel de Tucuman (ARG)
04/01: San Miguel de Tucumán-San Salvador de Jujuy (ARG)
05/01: San Salvador de Jujuy-Tupiza (BOL)
06/01: Tupiza-Oruro (BOL)
07/01: Oruro-La Paz (BOL)
08/01: Rest day at La Paz (BOL)
09/01: La Paz-Uyuni (BOL)
10/01: Uyuni-Salta (ARG)
11/01: Salta-Chilecito (ARG)
12/01: Chilecito-San Juan (ARG)
13/01: San Juan-Río Cuarto (ARG)
14/01: Río Cuarto-Buenos Aires (ARG)
