Crosbie achieves Dakar Rally dream
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday January 17, 2017 14:28
Crosbie, who became the first Motswana to compete at the Dakar Rally, had prior to the race told Mmegi Sport that he was not targeting a position but wanted to finish the race on his first attempt. Crosbie crossed the finish line in 38:43:37 after 12 stages on Saturday. History was made on the day the national flag was carried over the line for the first time at the biggest motorsport event.
“So here we are ladies and gents. Your champion from Africa, Mr Vincent Crosbie!!! The humble boy from Serowe has become the first Motswana to cross the finish line! We have done it Botswana; we have brought the blue, black and white over the finish line. Thank you to my family! Thank you to all my sponsors. Thank you to my dad and CB that are looking down on me. Most importantly thank you to every one of the fans, in and around Botswana. Without your support, I would not have been able to push to the finish line and to hold our flag up high. Thank you Batswana! Re a leboga Batswana,” Crosbie immediately posted on his official Facebook page after crossing the finishing the line. The Serowe native was pictured with a big smile on his face as he waved the national flag over the finish line.
The rider was overworked to complete the 9000km long race, as he had to overcome sand dunes and rainy weather conditions in order to fulfil his childhood dream.
Pundits have lauded the 26-year-old’s endurance and navigation skills as he was keeping up with the chasing pack, used the mistakes of the front-runners to his advantage. At some point of the competition, the rider slid down the rankings, as he could not cope with the conditions.
This year’s series was described as “hard on body and bike”, as many riders fell out of the race due to accidents and technical problems. Just over 150 riders competed in this year’s competition but only 96 managed to finish. Crosbie gained an automatic qualification to the race, and started at position 98.
The new national hero was expected to arrive last (Monday) evening.
Meanwhile, Briton Sam Sunderland was crowned the new champion in the bike category while French Stephane Peterhansel won the car category for the seventh consecutive time.