Meoni takes second Dakar title on KTM twin

Italian Fabrizio Meoni won his second successive Dakar rally as KTM took a clean sweep of the top 10 places in the gruelling 17-day event which finished on Sunday.

Meoni, riding KTM’s new LC8 950cc V-twin, triumphed by almost 48 minutes with South African Alfie Cox taking second riding an LC4 single.

Former winner Giovani Sala, also on an LC4, claimed success in the final stage, but it was immaterial with fellow countryman Meoni in control.

He said: “It was very difficult with so much competition so this win is very satisfying.” Another double Dakar winner, French rider Richard Sainct, who claimed glory in 1999 and 2000, ended up third.