Chris Blais: “Take it easy, but ride at full speed” Could Chris Blais become the first American to win the Dakar? If you consider his rides in the African dunes, the question does not appear inappropriate. Two years ago, in his debut in the African rally raid, the American had never set a wheel in Africa. Worse still, it was his first participation in a rally where road book navigation is given so much importance. However, the American finished 9th that year! And he reached the 4th position last year. “My only objective now is the podium. I have trained with that aim”, says Chris Blais. 2006 was a particularly busy year for the rider from Florida. After a wonderful race on the Dakar, Chris repeated the experience on other races such as Vegas-Reno (3rd), the Rally of Morocco (10th), the Henderson solo (4th) and the Rally of Dubai (5th). “I have been able to practise a great deal navigating in Dubai and Morocco. This important part of the Dakar has not come naturally to me because in the United States, most of the races don’t involve road rook navigation”, explains the rider.
But riding a bike undoubtedly did come naturally for him. Before he turned three, Blais’ parents, who both ride motorbikes, offered him his first bike, which had a 70 cc engine. Chris has never given up the handlebar since, with the support of his father who was the first to teach him the ropes. Chris Blais started competing when he was 16 and signed a contract with the KTM – Red Bull Dakar Rally Team two years ago. The challenge taken up by this team is clear, but complex: they want to bring an American to the podium of the Dakar. Blais will face his team’s challenge alone this year. “It is hard when you do not have a team mate to share the experience of the Dakar. But I will be fine and I will focus on the race”. And Chris will be keeping an eye on the most experienced riders, as he has come to know their qualities in the two previous editions. “The top riders like Marc Coma are impressive. I particularly admire their capacity to ‘take it easy’ while they are riding at full speed. At least his competitors know what to expect: the American is watching carefully and he is a quick learner…