BENGALURU: Harith Noah from TVS Racing Team will represent India at the Dakar 2022, the toughest cross-country rally in the world, which will be held in Saudi Arabia from January 1st to 14th.
Noah, who is currently training in Spain to hone his navigational skills after training with Sherco star Michael Metge in France, will leave for Jeddah about a week before the event.
Noah, who finished his first Dakar in the Experience class in 2020, was the fourth rider from India to take part in the prestigious rally after CS Santosh, Ashish Roarane and Aravind KP.
He shone with an impressive performance in 2021 to become the first top 20 rider to represent India. This year he will be his third in the Dakar.
“After more than 6 months of training and driving on the beach in my hometown of Kerala after the last Dakar, I am in excellent physical shape. I’ve been in Europe since September to focus more on road books and navigation training. The team has traveled to Morocco again, as it’s a good place to train with the long road books similar to the Dakar, “said the five-time national supercross champion in an explanation.
“The bike is brand new and I will ride a nimble, lighter machine that is easier to ride and much more comfortable in technical sections. Navigation is another area that I focus on and the goal is to finish the rally” said Noah, an exercise science graduate.
The roll call for the 44th Dakar would be in Jeddah, but things won’t get serious until Ha’il.
Riyadh, the capital, will host the rest day, after which the field will drive back to Jeddah for the finals.
This year the Dakar will be part of the FIA ​​and FIM World Rally Championships in cross-country rallying.
The prologue begins on January 1st in Jeddah with a hike to Ha’il, which is at the crossroads of Saudi Arabia’s historic trade routes. A 19 km mini special will spice up the long transfer.