“The beauty of nature fills your batteries when you’re exhausted”

Simon Marcic is what you can call a Dakar fanatic. Whatever the cost, whatever the sacrifices, whatever the pain, the Slovenian has a passion for the Dakar. And that started as soon as his dad bought him a 125cc dirt bike to reward him for his good grades at school. His journey on the world’s toughest rally hasn’t been an easy one however. A fine enduro specialist, he struggled on his first appearance back in 2014 when he was forced to quit early. After a one-year break, he returned to the event 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. His 79th spot in Rosario came as a huge achievement after suffering injuries to his fingers, wrist and collarbone. A year later, after enjoying ten fine days, bad luck struck again in the blinding dust of Argentina. Marcic was indeed caught in a collision with Stephane Peterhansel’s Peugeot, resulting in a leg fracture. Since his first experience in the toughest of classes, there’s no other way of doing the Dakar for the Slovenian. Last year, he added a patriotic side to his Dakar, showing up with a bike prepared with parts “made in Slovenia” (exhaust pipe, gasoline tank, carbon parts, etc). Sadly his fifth Dakar (the fourth in Original by Motul) ended as soon as day 4 for mechanical reasons. The 37-year-old returns with the same enthusiasm, a new KTM and that same will to try and be the fastest of the riders with not the slightest help but themselves.

“Riding bikes goes way back. The Dakar is a real challenge for me. A life long project and dreamed wish. Last year was of course very disappointing. I really wanted to reach the finish with my Slovenia Goes To Dakar project. I return because of the passion I have. 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. The key is being smart and not crashing. My routine when I get to the bivouac is simple: eat pasta, work on the bike, have a shower and sleep. I’d love to win the class but there are more and more top riders in it. A top 5 or 3 would satisfy me. I don’t know what to expect from Saudi Arabia but I’m looking forward to the new landscapes. The beauty of nature fills your batteries when you’re exhausted.”