From a press release issued by KTM:

FIRST TIME VICTORY FOR A SPANISH RIDER!

KTM writes another page of Dakar History.

Dakar, January 18th, 2004

After twenty six years of hard fighting for the title, Nani Roma won the first “Dakar” for Spain. In so doing, he fulfilled a dream of all Spanish motorsport enthusiasts. It has been a long fight for him to reach the top spot on the podium in 2004.

Supported by a strong Spanish Repsol KTM Team, he rode a smart race avoiding mistakes and was always strictly focused to gain the overall victory.

Huge respect also goes to the second-placed rider and last year’s winner Richard Sainct of the French Gauloises KTM Team. After a serious arm injury, he was still able to fight for the win in the 26th Dakar. It was a tremendous performance, which also makes him a winner of this year´s Dakar.

His Gauloises KTM France team mate Cyril Despres earned third place. Winning several stages he showed all is potential. He will, undoubtedly, be one of the main contenders in the toughest race of the world in the future.

The best privateer of the 26th Dakar was Norwegian KTM rider Pal-Anders Ullevalseter. With a fifth place he put himself between the world´s top rally riders. It was an extraordinary performance for a private rider.

For the Team KTM Red Bull USA this year’s Dakar was a first attempt to compete with the world’s best rally riders. Although gaining experience was the primary goal for the American team, the riders proved their abilities with two top twenty rankings. They are sure to return to fight for the top places and further strengthen the sport.

The dramatic fight between the teams during this Dakar proved KTM´s decision for individual country teams to be a good one. Equipped with identical material and equal support this helped to make the race even more attractive. Therefore KTM will stick on this strategy in the future.