"I'm so happy for myself and for the team"

Dakar 2019 | Stage 9 | Pisco > Pisco
January 16 ^th 2019 - 13:35 [GMT -5]

Michael Metge took advantage of the stalemate among the leaders to clinch his first Dakar stage win. It was a great day for the French rider and Sherco, who managed to break the KTM-Honda duopoly.

"It was a very long stage for me. We started in the second line with Daniel Nosiglia and we stayed together throughout the stage, attacking very much. I made some navigation mistakes, but we kept a good rhythm and, in the end, we caught the first line. I was stressed at the end because victory was very closely fought, but I tried to stay focused and when I crossed the finish line it was very nice. I'm so happy for the team because we did a very good job this year. The bike works very well and I'm so happy because they pushed a lot, also so happy for all the people who follow me, my sons and my wife. I dedicate this victory to them."