(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Mohamed Abu Issa, the international Qatari quad bike champion, heads to Dakar Rally aiming to come back home with his first ever Dakar Rally title in January 2016.
In an exclusive interview with Red Bull, Abu Issa spoke about his history with Dakar and his plans to win the title. Excerpts:
Tell us about your history with Dakar.
My first Dakar experience was in 2014, not too long ago. I went in with an injury, which I sustained 6 weeks prior to Dakar in Morocco. It was a serious one; I'm talking about many broken bones and being in a wheel chair for 10 days. However, when I got the acceptance to go for Dakar Rally, I didn't want to waste this chance. So, with good healthcare & hard work I managed to strap my wrist pretty well and went into Dakar Rally 2014. It was a great learning experience, and I finished 4th overall, 1st in Junior category.
In 2015, I was more prepared physically and mentally, and was third overall closing in on the leader up until day 5 when my quad bike faced a devastating mechanical failure that halted my race.
This year, we have worked hard to improve the reliability of the machine and we are aiming for the win.
When it comes to your competitors, who're your top ones?
My main competitor is the desert and myself. In order to win, you have to cross the desert all the way to the finish line, and that's a big competition. As for my fellow quad bike rally participants, I consider the Patronelli brothers from Argentina, and Ignacio Casale my top ones.
How have you been preparing for Dakar Rally 2016?
Last year, I really focused on endurance training and I believe it really helped me. However, my strength and speed on the quad is something that I lost back then. So, this year I focused on my strength and stamina, lost a lot of weight and spent long hours at the gym, yet I maintained my endurance training through cycling. I am ready.
Why Dakar? What makes it so special for you?
Obviously, I'm into all types of racing. But, because Dakar is an off-road race, it is my favourite. I believe I have a natural talent for off-road racing, and Dakar is the ultimate challenge € The Iron Man On The Machine € because it is so tough! Racing for 9,000KMs and finishing the race on your own is a victory by itself. It is this competition that drives me to make the impossible possible and make that title mine.
Any exciting plans for 2016, other than Dakar?
Well, if I win Dakar, then I would've reached a stepping-stone in my life. I am also aiming for the FIM World Championship in the Quads category. Overall, my target is Dakar trophy; as I have a stand in my house where it's going to go. After winning Dakar, I will be seriously considering switching to racing cars category.
What would you like to tell your fans that support you?
To be very honest, when you're there alone racing day and night, all that you think of is who are supporting you and that's what pushes you. I don't want to even describe what you go through mentally alone for hours and days out there, and what keeps me going is knowing that my fans are supporting me and will celebrate with me after my race. So, a big thank you to all my fans; I won't be able to do this without you.
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