CS Santosh Becomes First Indian to Race at Dakar Rally
CS Santosh will become the first Indian to race at the Dakar Rally, which starts in South America from January 3. The Bangalore based biker has spent four days in Argentina preparing for the daunting race.
CS Santosh will become the first Indian to race at the Dakar Rally, which starts in South America from January 3. Santosh is India's finest off road racer and he has spent time in Argentina preparing for the most dangerous motorsport in the world. The challenging race spans three countries - Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
However, Santosh remains undaunted and said: "For some people, it's a 100 metres sprint at the Olympics, for me it's the Dakar Rally."
As many as 60 people, including 27 competitors, have died in the Dakar Rally. Santosh, though is happy to participate in the race and open the doors for India in hitherto unchartered territory.
"I'm going to be on the ceremonial stand. I will definitely have the Indian flag out. You know it is the first time an Indian has made it so I think I have just opened the doors. I know for sure that in the years to come we will see more Indian participants at this level," said Santosh.
Santosh is currently preparing Argentina preparing for the gruelling race ahead. The motto "A challenge for those who go, a dream for those who stay behind" clearly suggests a race that could test the endurance level of the toughest.
"The Dakar Rally is the most grueling endurance race in the world by virtue of being the longest cross country rally in the world. It's the ultimate test, an adventure on a motorcycle. It is us travelling 9000 km through three countries Argentina, Bolivia and Chile."
- Who is CS Santosh? -
Bangalore based Santosh is a motorsport freak who has won everything there is to win in Indian off-road motorsport. He is considered to be the finest off road rider in India.
With numerous titles in India such as the 2012 Raid-de-Himalaya title, three-time winner of the national Supercross Championship, three-time time winner of the Gajaba Supercross in Sri Lanka, CS Santosh has taken motorsport in India to the next level.
Santosh's journey in motorsport started 14 years ago when he started riding motorcycles. More than 16 years later, he will be competing against 167 motorcyclists, knowing that in his first attempt at the 15 day Dakar rally - the aim is completion not placement.