Dakar is like the Rally raid Olympic Games

For the first time in four participations, Alexandre Giroud did not finish the Dakar last year, due to a blown engine on the eve of the rest day. No matter, Alexandre knows that he must also experience this to continue to improve. Because since his debut on the Dakar, the native of Grenoble had just until then followed a linear progression. After two 11th place finishes (2017 and 2018), he joined the Top 5 in2019. Last year, Alexandre seemed to be heading in the same direction. Aboard his YFZ 700 he won stage 5, the first of his career, and was 2nd overall before he retired. Upon his return to France, he did everything he could to be ready and take his racing to the next level. Alexandre hired a mental coach, in addition to putting in extensive physical training programme. Confident with the capabilities of his quad, Alexandre returns to the Saudi deserts with ambition and enthusiasm.

Last year, I was fortunate to finish in the top three several times and win a stage. Winning is an amazing feeling! The Dakar is the Olympic Games of rally-raiding. Ask Martin Fourcade how he felt won he won! Of course, you are proud, it's like a grail. That is why I do the Dakar. I really liked the stages last year, they corresponded more to my riding style. And then we went through grandiose landscapes, fabulous deserts... This year, I worked hard to be as efficient as possible and to have fun too. »