Gérard Barbezant: « I am Mr. 125, and I won’t be changing. »
In 2003, motorcycle class winner, Richard Sainct declared: “This Dakar was really easy. The proof, even Gérard Barbezant finished!” A phrase that unfortunately deeply hurt this Dakar veteran. And thus, Gérard Barbezant hasn’t stopped trying to make a liar of the three-time winner. Without immediate success: his following participations ended in retirements. In 2005, this fire for revenge still burned, but fate caught up with Richard Sainct as it did Gérard Barbezant’s grudge. Very much effected by this lose, this former international track and field competitor nevertheless lined up at the start of the rally in tribute to his former arch enemy. In this edition, the Dakar experienced another tragedy with the fatal accident of Fabrizio Meoni during stage 11 from Atar to Kiffa. Deeply devastated by the loss of another friend, Gérard Barbezant didn’t take part in the 2006 Dakar. This year he’s back and loyal to the memory of his fallen friends. And, of course, still on a 125.