“Hard to believe I’m signing for my 11th Dakar”
RIDER FACTS…
- His passion for the Dakar started as soon as his dad bought him a 125cc dirt bike to reward him for his good grades at school.
- A fine enduro specialist after starting as a BMX and MTB downhiller, he struggled on his first appearance back in 2014 when he was forced to quit early. At the time he had a team supporting him on the rally. That would actually be the first and only time.
- He returned to the event in 2016 on his KTM 450 and accomplished the mission he had set: to finish the Dakar. But what a struggle it was for the rider from Maribor who had registered in what was then called the malle-moto class with no assistance.
- Since then he has suffered all kinds of upsets: broken bones and even a collision with Stephane Peterhansel’s Peugeot, in the blinding dust of Argentina.
- Part of the Original by Motul family, he is often the guy the rookies turn to for advice or just a pleasant chat. His entire life has turned around riding bikes and promoting his passion on social media.
- After five consecutive finishes, Marcic sadly had to pull out of the rally on the last edition due to an engine failure. He returns in 2025 for his 11th Dakar with a new bike and the hope to finally win the Original By Motul class.
AMBITION 2025
S.M.: « The Dakar is a real challenge for me. A lifelong project and dreamed wish. The Dakar was a dream for so many years, ever since I was 11 watching Miran Stanovnik on TV. It’s since then become a lifestyle. The Original by Motul class is for me the real race. It’s what it was like 40 years ago when there was no help and no mechanics. Now I’m used to it. I have my own system.
I remember every single edition since my debut in 2014, but 3 of them bring back special memories.
2014 - My first start in the Dakar Rally, which was a dream come true. Crashed out in stage 3. but I already knew I would be back for more.
2016 - My first finish, in malle moto category, which was a new thing for me and the dislocated clavicle and broken thumb were not helping.
2021 - My best result - 5. place in malle moto category (36. overall) and an honour to ride with the legendary number 46 of Valentino Rossi. Unfortunately I had to withdraw from the last Dakar with 4 days to go due to a broken engine. Hard to believe that today I am signing up for my 11th Dakar! I guess this is where the game starts... again. The route for 2025 has been revealed and I am more than excited about the last stage in the dunes of Empty Quarter.”
