“I still know how to prepare well”
RIDER FACTS…
- Not quite a factory rider and not exactly a privateer, Stefan Svitko is however one of the strongest riders of the Dakar field and he’s been showing that for the last 15 years.
- The Slovakian has seen it all: the glory when he captured second spot back in 2016 and quite a few painful setbacks forcing him to retire on four occasions.
- This enduro specialist and multiple European champion before he fully committed to rally-raid has finished six of his Dakar rallies in the Top 10 and ten in the Top 15.
- Last January, the father of two little girls finished best of the non-factory riders in 9th position.
- Now 42, the man from Vysny Kubin in the northern part of Slovakia will again be counting on the support of his little Slovnaft Rally team. Despite injuring his shoulder during the season and staying away from his bike during 14 weeks, he’ll try to finish as close as possible of the top guns.
AMBITION 2025
S.S.: "I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to return to the Top 10 after two editions and fulfilled my goal. Every year the 'factories' recruit new young talented riders, who also complete five World Championship events during the year. It's hard to compete with them.
I consider the last Dakar to have been the toughest of the previous five that have taken place in Saudi Arabia. I rode faster in the sand dunes than in previous years and was able to keep up with the factory riders. The bike didn't have any major breakdowns, I stayed focused.
I went all out, but without taking unnecessary risks, which was our tactic that brought us a very good overall position already in the middle of the race. With the exception of a crash in the penultimate stage, I completed the race without any major accidents or technical problems. I was well prepared physically and mentally, together with my new colleagues from Slovnaft Rally Team we were a great group.
I also confirmed that I still know how to prepare well, I gained more experience. We'll see for the future."
