Sad news for Marc Coma and Dakar Rally fans. The three time Dakar and reigning World Cross Country Champion will be out of 2013 Dakar Rally owing to a shoulder injury in the Morocco Rally in October this year.
Coma disappointed at the injury said “We worked really hard with the doctors and the physiotherapists right up until the last minute but we have to be realistic. One of the muscles in my shoulder is still giving me problems and there is a lack of movement. This is the logical consequence and we must be honest and clear about the situation.”
KTM’s Factory Team Manager- Alex Doringer similarly disappointed at the absence of Marc at the 2013 Rally said “While we are disappointed that he is unable to ride, the health and welfare of our factory riders is the most important consideration. If he is not 100 percent fit, it is better for him to sit out the 2013 rally”.
The Dakar is one of the most, if not the most difficult rallies on the planet where just finishing the course draws a world of admiration. Team Honda have already faced a triple-whammy losing three of it’s riders in the precursor tests and now with Marc out of the competition, Dakar fans would be left with a certain degree of disappointment.
We all will miss Marc next year. As a consoling factor to the disappointment, here’s a short feature on the champion rider.
Video Courtesy: Motorcyclenews