Name: Marc Coma
Nationality: Spanish/Catalan
Date of birth: October 7, 1976
Machine: KTM450 Rally
Debut: 2002 Arrias (France) to Dakar (Senegal). Did not finish
Best Dakar: Three-time champion (2006, 2009, 2011)
Dakar 2012 Number: #1
The rumour goes that “motorcycle” was the first word out of little Marc’s mouth. He certainly had gasoline in the blood with his father and uncle both highly skilled bikers in their day.
As a teenager Marc progressed through regional and provincial races before winning national titles. Marc was a star in the making and soon the only challenge left to conquer was the Dakar Rally.
After four attempts at desert glory Marc struck gold at the fifth time of asking on the road between Arrias in the Northern France and Dakar in Senegal. The victory was also tinged with sadness for Marc as he suffered the death of team-mate Andy Caldecott during the race.
The Dakar’s switch to South America has proved to be fruitful for Marc as he added the 2009 and 2011 titles to his 2006 victory. Marc approaches the start line in Mar del Plata as the reigning champion but he knows that reputation counts for nothing against the elements of the Dakar.
Fast Fact: Marc was raised in the town of Avai on the outskirts of Barcelona and remains fiercely proud of his Catalan roots. Marc races with a Catalan flag on his bike and he’s a massive fan of FC Barcelona
A word of advice: “You shouldn’t be afraid of the race but you need to respect. I have respect of the desert, the speeds we travel and the risks that must be taken. Many unexpected things happened during the Dakar that you simply can’t prepare for so there’s no need to overcomplicate things.
Repsol Media 
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