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 | XRally Marrakech: South African Darryl Curtis heads to the XRally Marrakech
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Interview with Darryl Curtis, 22nd at the Dakar 2012. The South African rider is training to repeat the South America Dakar marathon and his sports programme includes also the "XRally Marrakech" and the "Merzouga Rally".
XRally: After having won twice the Roof of Africa, competed in several International Six Day Enduro’s, desert races in America and world extreme races, this year you finally raced in the Dakar finishing in 22nd place. How was the Dakar?
Curtis: "The Dakar was an amazing experience, I rode the race to finish and learn. It was on my bucket list and I just had to do it."
XRally: What did you learn from this experience?
Curtis: "I learnt that if you push too hard and take chances, than the risk is massive, you have to take care and watch that roadbook."
XRally: Which are your sports programmes for this season?
Curtis: "I will race 6 national enduros at home, the Roof of Africa, Romaniacs, XRally Marrakech and the Merzouga Rally and finally the Dakar."
XRally: How did you know about the Xrally Marrakech?
Curtis: "From looking on the internet."
XRally: The Xrally Marrakech can represent a step forward in your preparation to the Dakar 2013?
Curtis: "Yes, most definately I need to learn how to navigate well in the dunes, at Dakar I was chasing some pro riders."
XRally: Which is your target?
Curtis: "My target is to learn, I am not too concerned about a top result, more important is to learn how to navigate."
XRally: Which are your strong and your weak points as a rider?
Curtis: "My strong points are technical riding and long hours in the saddle, my weakness is motocross."
XRally: Have you ever been to Morocco before?
Curtis: "No, this is my first time..."
XRally: Where do you usually train during the year?
Curtis: "Normally at a place called de wildt near Johannesburg, it is very rocky and technical, I also train in Qwa Qwa and Lesotho."
XRally: How is the racing scenario in South Africa?
Curtis: "The racing in SA is extremely competitive, we have some very fast riders here, the enduro championship is our biggest."
Identikit: Darryl Curtis
Nationality: South African
Date of birth: 18 February 1971
Hobbies: Mountain biking
First race: 1987, Yamaha YZ 125cc
First KTM: 1995, KTM 250cc
Race Career Highlights: Two time winner of the Roof of Africa, 3rd, 5th, 6th & 8th Overall at Romaniacs, 8 time finisher Erzberg Rodeo.
Championship titles won:
1994 SA Offroad Champion CC 250cc
1995 SA Enduro Champion Open class
1996 SA Enduro Champion Open class
1998 SA Offroad Champion 250cc class
1999 SA Offroad Champion 250cc class
2003 SA Offroad Champion 500cc class
2004 SA Offroad Champion Overall
1993 – 1999: Transvaal Enduro Champion 250cc
2012/04/26 | 14:39 CET | ARTICLE: MR/SY/GORM
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