1998: Meoni, a fit of rage (34/40)

December 31 ^st 2018 - 17:55

Edition 40 is approaching… a look back at 40 episodes with the most memorable images in the history of the Dakar.

Italy had already enjoyed Dakar glory in the bike category thanks to Edi Orioli in 1990 and in 1994. That year, another Italian made his presence known by finishing third overall: Fabrizio Meoni. From then on the rider from Tuscany systematically confirmed his status as one of the principal rivals to the leader in the class, Stéphane Peterhansel. In 1998, he was the closest rival to Peterhansel in the late stages of the rally. Slowed by a faulty GPS that prevented him from staying in the hunt for the win, Meoni took his frustration out on his equipment at the arrival in Saint-Louis, the day before the finish. His experience helped him to go on to win the 2001 and 2002 editions. One of the most popular Dakar characters in the early years of the 21st Century and respected by champions and amateurs alike for his passionate temperament, Meoni succumbed to a heart attack after crashing while making his way to Kiffa during the 2005 edition.