Triumphant arrival of Marc Coma and Joan Pedrero in Barcelona after the 2011 Dakar

The riders Marc Coma and Joan Pedrero arrived today in Barcelona for the last stage of the Dakar in their homeland, in their home and in front of their fans, who welcomed the 2011 Dakar winner and his co-rider as true champions.

The Catalan was moved to see familiar faces, press and supporters at Plaza Colón, where the first checkpoint of this very special stage was held, which then took them to Plaza de Sant Jaume, where they were received by the authorities of the Generalitat.

At their first stop they arrived with the 2011 Dakar champion KTM, with which he finished in fifth place, where they found a large group of fans and media, and where they held a meeting with them.

Marc Martín hosted the event and asked the champions questions who had just arrived from Barcelona Airport.

The Dakar champion said that this edition was indescribably tough. Every stage had very difficult sections and extreme conditions that left the riders exhausted at every step.

After Coma’s first words, his parents took the stage and spoke about their son’s development and this passion that has become much more, now holding three Dakar titles, something few participants can claim.

Furthermore, the father wisely remarked that “if his son were French, he would most likely have 5 or 6 Dakars and not 3”.

Then Coma’s wife came up and described the tension of watching Marc under those conditions, but how she has gradually grown accustomed to it and it is now part of her life. Although, after the hard fall in which he injured his left wrist, she worried a great deal again, as that area was already badly affected by previous injuries.

Finally, Pedrero, the great co-rider of Coma in this edition, spoke about living with him at the bivouac and during the stages, and made it very clear: it is madness. For Pedrero, Coma has a different rhythm, and over these two weeks, thanks to the master, he has gained a lot of experience and learned from all conditions, besides being an exceptional person.

Finally, Coma was asked again about the speeds they reach with the KTMs now that the engine capacity has been reduced to 450cc. Despite this drop in category, the champion bikes still run at around 165 km/h, an outrageous speed considering the terrain.

Moreover, the riders not only have to ride, but also check the navigator, follow the roadbook and keep riding. It seems almost impossible, but the Catalan explained that with training you gain experience and get better and faster each time.

Later the convoy headed to Plaza Sant Jaume, where they were received by the authorities and more fans, and completed this stage together with many motorcyclists who wanted to finish the 2011 Dakar with them.

A lovely event to honor the 2011 Dakar Champion, who with this victory has put the 2010 disappointment behind him and returns to the top of the toughest rally in the world.

We will keep following the Dakar.