Portraits
moto
A return to the podium?
NUMBER 4 – KTM Repsol RedBull
Carlo De Gavardo (CHI)
Carlo De Gavardo numbers among the great names of the raid rally. Around the World Cup circuit, the Chilean pilot is among the most consistent names on the podiums. This year, his constant presence at the highest level has also earned him a place in the official KTM Repsol RedBull team, with which he is taking part in the Dakar 2006.
De Gavardo’s achievements, particularly his performances in the Dakar, attracted the attention of the manufacturers at an early stage in his career. In 1998 at the age of only 19 and without the benefit of a top-level race structure, he clinched 12th place in the overall ranking in what was his first participation. The Chilean continued to impress in the following editions, becoming a regular and almost ever-present member of the Top 10. Having obtained his best final result in 2001, when he took third place on the podium, De Gavardo also stood out in the 2002 Dakar by claiming a trio of stage victories along the way.
The Dakar 2005, which he entered on a 450-cm3 machine, saw a second abandonment for De Gavardo in the raid rally’s showpiece event, this time at Stage 7. But this didn’t prevent him from shining in the speciality’s world cup by clinching three places on the podium during the year, in Argentina (3rd), Tunisia (2nd) and in the rally of the Pharaohs (2nd); and winning a 450 cm3 title for good measure. In Lisbon, it was with the official KTM Repsol RedBull team that De Gavardo set himself a new challenge, this time on a 660 cm3. Initially expected to be nothing more than a highly experienced team member, the Chilean could yet benefit from the late withdrawal of his team-mate Jordi Duran, who suffered an injury in training. With Coma remaining the team leader, a role as right-hand man could see De Gavardo creep into a leading position as the Dakar approaches.
Carlo De Gavardo’s “Dakar†honours
1998 12th, Paris-Dakar
1999 8th, Grenada-Dakar
2000 Abandoned, Dakar – Cairo
2001 3rd, Paris – Dakar
2002 4th, Arras-Madrid-Dakar
2003 8th, Marseilles – Sharm-el-Sheikh
2004 8th, Clermont-Ferrand – Dakar
2005 Abandoned, Barcelona – Dakar
auto
Carlo De Gavardo (CHI)
Carlo De Gavardo numbers among the great names of the raid rally. Around the World Cup circuit, the Chilean pilot is among the most consistent names on the podiums. This year, his constant presence at the highest level has also earned him a place in the official KTM Repsol RedBull team, with which he is taking part in the Dakar 2006.
De Gavardo’s achievements, particularly his performances in the Dakar, attracted the attention of the manufacturers at an early stage in his career. In 1998 at the age of only 19 and without the benefit of a top-level race structure, he clinched 12th place in the overall ranking in what was his first participation. The Chilean continued to impress in the following editions, becoming a regular and almost ever-present member of the Top 10. Having obtained his best final result in 2001, when he took third place on the podium, De Gavardo also stood out in the 2002 Dakar by claiming a trio of stage victories along the way.
The Dakar 2005, which he entered on a 450-cm3 machine, saw a second abandonment for De Gavardo in the raid rally’s showpiece event, this time at Stage 7. But this didn’t prevent him from shining in the speciality’s world cup by clinching three places on the podium during the year, in Argentina (3rd), Tunisia (2nd) and in the rally of the Pharaohs (2nd); and winning a 450 cm3 title for good measure. In Lisbon, it was with the official KTM Repsol RedBull team that De Gavardo set himself a new challenge, this time on a 660 cm3. Initially expected to be nothing more than a highly experienced team member, the Chilean could yet benefit from the late withdrawal of his team-mate Jordi Duran, who suffered an injury in training. With Coma remaining the team leader, a role as right-hand man could see De Gavardo creep into a leading position as the Dakar approaches.
Carlo De Gavardo’s “Dakar†honours
1998 12th, Paris-Dakar
1999 8th, Grenada-Dakar
2000 Abandoned, Dakar – Cairo
2001 3rd, Paris – Dakar
2002 4th, Arras-Madrid-Dakar
2003 8th, Marseilles – Sharm-el-Sheikh
2004 8th, Clermont-Ferrand – Dakar
2005 Abandoned, Barcelona – Dakar
The pioneer
NUMBER 303 – Volkswagen Motorsport
Jutta Kleinschmidt (ALL) – Fabrizia Pons (ITA)
Jutta Kleinschmidt’s name will forever be etched in the history of the Dakar as the first woman to have equalled the men on the track: the first to win a stage in 1997, the first to lead then to mount the Dakar podium in 1999 and, of course, the first to win it in 2001. This unerring progression speaks volumes about the uncommon determination and ambition possessed by the German, who is now a “cornerstone†of Volkswagen’s raid rally activities. And remarkably, nothing in the early life of this woman from Cologne marked her out as a future professional driver.
An engineer who produced a thesis on “the realisation of a climactic test bench for automobile air-conditioning systemsâ€, Jutta Kleinschmidt had to wait until 1985 and the age of 23 before discovering the Dakar on television. But she was immediately hooked and two years later, she gained her first taste of the desert by following the bike Dakar in parallel, an experience that led her to contest her first raid rally, the Rally of the Pharaohs, in 1987, followed by the Dakar the next year. After turning professional in 92, the adopted Monegasque wasted no time creating her first sensation by winning the women’s trophy at the Dakar and claiming 23rd position overall to boot. The following year, she switched to the car, first as co-driver, then as driver for the Schlesser stable. This conversion to 4 wheels resulted in her finishing 2nd in the world in the two-wheel drive category in 94 and 96, and most notably, recording the first-ever triumph by a woman in a stage of the Dakar in 97.
But it was with Mitsubishi that the German conclusively established herself in the rally driving hall of fame by, in 1999, becoming the first woman to lead the Dakar, before adding her name to the honours list of the toughest raid rally of them all. Courtesy of this performance, she obtained the keys to the prestigious Volkswagen stable the following year, becoming the German car-maker’s leading driver.
In 2005, Jutta Kleinschmidt was Volkswagen’s best representative on the Dakar. While there was no real confrontation with the “Mitsus†of Peterhansel and Alphand, Kleinschmidt did remarkably well to defend her place on the podium as far as Dakar. This year, Volkswagen is present in Lisbon with a freshly reviewed and corrected version of the Race Touareg, this time designed to win. Kleinschmidt will be gripping the same steering wheel as Saby, Sainz and De Villiers, but the race circumstances will dictate how the next chapter in Dakar history will be written...
camion
Jutta Kleinschmidt (ALL) – Fabrizia Pons (ITA)
Jutta Kleinschmidt’s name will forever be etched in the history of the Dakar as the first woman to have equalled the men on the track: the first to win a stage in 1997, the first to lead then to mount the Dakar podium in 1999 and, of course, the first to win it in 2001. This unerring progression speaks volumes about the uncommon determination and ambition possessed by the German, who is now a “cornerstone†of Volkswagen’s raid rally activities. And remarkably, nothing in the early life of this woman from Cologne marked her out as a future professional driver.
An engineer who produced a thesis on “the realisation of a climactic test bench for automobile air-conditioning systemsâ€, Jutta Kleinschmidt had to wait until 1985 and the age of 23 before discovering the Dakar on television. But she was immediately hooked and two years later, she gained her first taste of the desert by following the bike Dakar in parallel, an experience that led her to contest her first raid rally, the Rally of the Pharaohs, in 1987, followed by the Dakar the next year. After turning professional in 92, the adopted Monegasque wasted no time creating her first sensation by winning the women’s trophy at the Dakar and claiming 23rd position overall to boot. The following year, she switched to the car, first as co-driver, then as driver for the Schlesser stable. This conversion to 4 wheels resulted in her finishing 2nd in the world in the two-wheel drive category in 94 and 96, and most notably, recording the first-ever triumph by a woman in a stage of the Dakar in 97.
But it was with Mitsubishi that the German conclusively established herself in the rally driving hall of fame by, in 1999, becoming the first woman to lead the Dakar, before adding her name to the honours list of the toughest raid rally of them all. Courtesy of this performance, she obtained the keys to the prestigious Volkswagen stable the following year, becoming the German car-maker’s leading driver.
In 2005, Jutta Kleinschmidt was Volkswagen’s best representative on the Dakar. While there was no real confrontation with the “Mitsus†of Peterhansel and Alphand, Kleinschmidt did remarkably well to defend her place on the podium as far as Dakar. This year, Volkswagen is present in Lisbon with a freshly reviewed and corrected version of the Race Touareg, this time designed to win. Kleinschmidt will be gripping the same steering wheel as Saby, Sainz and De Villiers, but the race circumstances will dictate how the next chapter in Dakar history will be written...
_ The exile’s revenge _ The exile’s revenge
NUMBER 502 – DAF HANS BECKX TEAM SPORT
Hans Beckx (Hol)
Edwin Willems (Hol) – Toon Maessen (Hol)
Former sponsor of the biker Eric Verhoef, Dutchman Hans Bekx discovered the Dakar as a competitor in 1998 at the wheel of a Ginaf 560-hp truck. This first attempt may have ended in abandonment mid-route, but it was enough for the transport entrepreneur to be bitten by the bug and to understand what it takes to be competitive in this unique event. But rather than taking part again the following year, Bekx instead took a year off to develop a new Ginaf truck, this time 700hp. Courtesy of these modifications, he finally reached the Lac Rose, claiming 8th position in the truck category into the bargain. After quitting Ginaf for DAF, Bekx equalled this performance in 2004.
But for Hans Bekx’s best-ever performance, one need only go back to last year when, from the start, he positioned himself as one of the most dangerous of the Tsar Tchaguine’s outsiders by winning the first two specials, his first scratch time on the Dakar. Bekx then recorded his third triumph on Stage 11, at a time when the final victory was already promised to Kabirov on Kamaz. Nevertheless, as he doggedly clung onto 2nd position, the Dutchman seemed assured of a place on the podium.
However, during a routine inspection in Dakar after the last-but-one stage, the stewards found three elements on his truck that did not comply with the regulations. Consequently, the good-natured entrepreneur from Maria-Heide was ejected from the race, only 31 km from the finish line! After interminable discussions, his eventual re-admittance for the last Lac Rose special meant he was able to parade in front of his 200 guests, but Bekx did not figure in the final ranking.
Finally in possession of an efficient, reliable and tried and tested truck, the Dutchman will be starting out as motivated as ever in 2006, determined to consign last year’s disaster firmly to the past. Bekx, who celebrates his 50th birthday on 11th January, could well have another reason to celebrate this year.
Hans Bekx’s “Dakar†honours
1998 Abandoned, Paris – Dakar
1999 Abandoned, Grenada – Dakar
2001 8th overall, Paris – Dakar
2002 18th overall, Arras – Dakar
2003 11th overall, Marseilles – Sharm El Sheikh
2004 8th overall, Clermont-Ferrand – Dakar
2005 ejected from the race at Stage 15, Barcelona – Dakar
Hans Beckx (Hol)
Edwin Willems (Hol) – Toon Maessen (Hol)
Former sponsor of the biker Eric Verhoef, Dutchman Hans Bekx discovered the Dakar as a competitor in 1998 at the wheel of a Ginaf 560-hp truck. This first attempt may have ended in abandonment mid-route, but it was enough for the transport entrepreneur to be bitten by the bug and to understand what it takes to be competitive in this unique event. But rather than taking part again the following year, Bekx instead took a year off to develop a new Ginaf truck, this time 700hp. Courtesy of these modifications, he finally reached the Lac Rose, claiming 8th position in the truck category into the bargain. After quitting Ginaf for DAF, Bekx equalled this performance in 2004.
But for Hans Bekx’s best-ever performance, one need only go back to last year when, from the start, he positioned himself as one of the most dangerous of the Tsar Tchaguine’s outsiders by winning the first two specials, his first scratch time on the Dakar. Bekx then recorded his third triumph on Stage 11, at a time when the final victory was already promised to Kabirov on Kamaz. Nevertheless, as he doggedly clung onto 2nd position, the Dutchman seemed assured of a place on the podium.
However, during a routine inspection in Dakar after the last-but-one stage, the stewards found three elements on his truck that did not comply with the regulations. Consequently, the good-natured entrepreneur from Maria-Heide was ejected from the race, only 31 km from the finish line! After interminable discussions, his eventual re-admittance for the last Lac Rose special meant he was able to parade in front of his 200 guests, but Bekx did not figure in the final ranking.
Finally in possession of an efficient, reliable and tried and tested truck, the Dutchman will be starting out as motivated as ever in 2006, determined to consign last year’s disaster firmly to the past. Bekx, who celebrates his 50th birthday on 11th January, could well have another reason to celebrate this year.
Hans Bekx’s “Dakar†honours
1998 Abandoned, Paris – Dakar
1999 Abandoned, Grenada – Dakar
2001 8th overall, Paris – Dakar
2002 18th overall, Arras – Dakar
2003 11th overall, Marseilles – Sharm El Sheikh
2004 8th overall, Clermont-Ferrand – Dakar
2005 ejected from the race at Stage 15, Barcelona – Dakar
Jean-Claude Morsillo: “I’m a bit of a lonerâ€
Jean-Claude Morsillo: “I immediately wanted to do itâ€
Jean-Claude Morsillo is a man plagued by a nagging regret. Over 20 years ago, this Parisian biker was hooked at the start of the very first Dakar, and he has since tried his luck on three occasions. “I immediately wanted to do it,†enthuses Jean-Claude as he recalls his first impressions of the now-great rally’s fledgling flight. Indeed, he wasted little time making his dream a reality, joining the other riders on the starting line for the first time in 1983, then again in 1984 and also 1985, without ever managing to reach the finish!
Although the feeling of frustration has not become traumatic, it has undeniably left a bitter taste in Jean-Claude’s mouth: “Despite having had to quit every time, I have nothing but good memories of the race. That said, I’ve always regretted not reaching the finish. Today, my children are grown-up and independent, so they don’t need me so much, which allows me to devote a bit more time to my hobbies. And as time has passed, I’ve said to myself: ‘If you’re going to enter the Dakar again one day, don’t leave it till you’re 70.’ So seeing as I’m already 53…â€.
For his return among the dunes, this fifty-something could not be accused of having plumped for the easy option. His idea of supplementing his bike with a sidecar, a vehicle infamous for being physically demanding, is rendered even trickier by his decision to drive alone. But in spite of all this, Jean-Claude prefers to focus on the advantages: “I adore these engines, which make driving tremendous fun. What’s more, at my age, I’m not sure I would have the physical strength to lift a bike ten times a day. And as I’m quite slightly built, getting on and off the bike uses up extra energy that I’d rather conserve. As for being alone, that doesn’t bother me in the least. On the contrary, I’m a bit of a loner anyway and have no particular desire to share this adventure with anyone. What’s more the free space beside me will mean I can bring a case with some tools and a few spare parts. Not to mention some sand plates.†This is a man who is clearly aware of the difficulties which lie in store for him, but his objective is unwavering: “To finish what I started 20 years ago.â€
Jean-Claude Morsillo is a man plagued by a nagging regret. Over 20 years ago, this Parisian biker was hooked at the start of the very first Dakar, and he has since tried his luck on three occasions. “I immediately wanted to do it,†enthuses Jean-Claude as he recalls his first impressions of the now-great rally’s fledgling flight. Indeed, he wasted little time making his dream a reality, joining the other riders on the starting line for the first time in 1983, then again in 1984 and also 1985, without ever managing to reach the finish!
Although the feeling of frustration has not become traumatic, it has undeniably left a bitter taste in Jean-Claude’s mouth: “Despite having had to quit every time, I have nothing but good memories of the race. That said, I’ve always regretted not reaching the finish. Today, my children are grown-up and independent, so they don’t need me so much, which allows me to devote a bit more time to my hobbies. And as time has passed, I’ve said to myself: ‘If you’re going to enter the Dakar again one day, don’t leave it till you’re 70.’ So seeing as I’m already 53…â€.
For his return among the dunes, this fifty-something could not be accused of having plumped for the easy option. His idea of supplementing his bike with a sidecar, a vehicle infamous for being physically demanding, is rendered even trickier by his decision to drive alone. But in spite of all this, Jean-Claude prefers to focus on the advantages: “I adore these engines, which make driving tremendous fun. What’s more, at my age, I’m not sure I would have the physical strength to lift a bike ten times a day. And as I’m quite slightly built, getting on and off the bike uses up extra energy that I’d rather conserve. As for being alone, that doesn’t bother me in the least. On the contrary, I’m a bit of a loner anyway and have no particular desire to share this adventure with anyone. What’s more the free space beside me will mean I can bring a case with some tools and a few spare parts. Not to mention some sand plates.†This is a man who is clearly aware of the difficulties which lie in store for him, but his objective is unwavering: “To finish what I started 20 years ago.â€
Humanitarian Action
Frits Hessing: “To play an active role in the struggle against AIDSâ€
NUMBER 461
Frits Hessing (HOL) – Matthew Stevenson (GBR)
Frits Hessing has always been lucky in life, and he knows it. He sells luxury cars and earns a very good living, but has nonetheless chosen to devote part of his time and energy to a worthy cause, while at the same time realising one of his biggest dreams. Courtesy of the media exposure offered by the Dakar, he has collected €150,000 which he will be handing over in full to the association Orange Babies, which fights against AIDS in Africa. The aim of this operation? To offer treatment to pregnant women in order to reduce the risk of them passing on the virus to their child.
Motivated by a sporting challenge, Hessing is counting on the reliability of his team to wipe away the disappointment of his first participation as a co-driver last year: “we unfortunately had to quit during the seventh stage between Zouerat and Tichit. Despite this failure, I’ve fallen in love with the race, and that’s why I’m entering again this year with a very clear objective: to arrive in Dakar. Matthew Stevenson, who was Bruno Saby’s co-driver in 2004, will be both co-driver and coach on the rally.â€
But the race is far from being the sole driving force behind Frits Hessing’s ambition. His journey into the heart of the African continent also derives its meaning from his links with Orange Babies: “I decided to finance my project myself and to offer visibility on my car to all partners who wish to help Orange Babies. In conjunction with pharmaceutical laboratories, this association has developed medication that helps reduce the percentage of transmission of the virus to 50%. The treatment is very simple, amounting to a single injection. Thanks to this Dakar project, we will be able to fund 15,000 injections and also carry out awareness-raising campaigns.†Sounds like a first victory already.
Frits Hessing (HOL) – Matthew Stevenson (GBR)
Frits Hessing has always been lucky in life, and he knows it. He sells luxury cars and earns a very good living, but has nonetheless chosen to devote part of his time and energy to a worthy cause, while at the same time realising one of his biggest dreams. Courtesy of the media exposure offered by the Dakar, he has collected €150,000 which he will be handing over in full to the association Orange Babies, which fights against AIDS in Africa. The aim of this operation? To offer treatment to pregnant women in order to reduce the risk of them passing on the virus to their child.
Motivated by a sporting challenge, Hessing is counting on the reliability of his team to wipe away the disappointment of his first participation as a co-driver last year: “we unfortunately had to quit during the seventh stage between Zouerat and Tichit. Despite this failure, I’ve fallen in love with the race, and that’s why I’m entering again this year with a very clear objective: to arrive in Dakar. Matthew Stevenson, who was Bruno Saby’s co-driver in 2004, will be both co-driver and coach on the rally.â€
But the race is far from being the sole driving force behind Frits Hessing’s ambition. His journey into the heart of the African continent also derives its meaning from his links with Orange Babies: “I decided to finance my project myself and to offer visibility on my car to all partners who wish to help Orange Babies. In conjunction with pharmaceutical laboratories, this association has developed medication that helps reduce the percentage of transmission of the virus to 50%. The treatment is very simple, amounting to a single injection. Thanks to this Dakar project, we will be able to fund 15,000 injections and also carry out awareness-raising campaigns.†Sounds like a first victory already.