Zanotti, the lion of the Atlas...

The "Baja Morocco", first event of its kind organized on African soil, ended in triumph today, not far from Erfoud. After a second leg spread over 200 km, including 163 Km on the clock, all competitors still racing celebrated in style. For some, an FIM World title in the Baja World Cup.Dominating from the start, the Italian Alessandro Zanotti (TM 450 No. 101) delivered once again a royal performance. Leaving first, through the famous Chebbi Erg, the man they call the 'Lion of the Desert' literally devoured the miles and his competitors. On the finish line, the emotion was there when his dad and mechanic, Lorenzo, gave him a great big fatherly hug ... champagne for the well-deserved world title. Second past the line ... and finally second overall, winner and world champion in the category of over 450cc, Manual Lucchesse (KTM 121) offers a superb double title for Italy, Frenchman Alain MEYLEU (KTM n°112) completing the podium beautifully .There was a little more confusion in the ATV's. First in, after a great stage, Frenchman Patrick Sanchez (KTM n ° 148) had just passed the Uruguayan Luis Henderson (Honda 142) and the Spaniard Oscar Romero (Polaris No. 143), the two overall leaders, stopped and out of fuel on the tracks, just a few kilometres from the finishline In their hurry to finish, they had "forgotten" (or chanced it ) to refuel at the second control point (CP2) before getting a little help... In the end, Patrick Sanchez is now ahead of Henderson and Romero, his first victory on African soil ... while his wife Stephanie (KTM n ° 147), despite power problems, signed in a superb 4th place . Spain's Jose Luis Espinosa-Garcia (Can Am No. 141) is fifth in the "Baja Morocco", overjoyed at the finish line sealing his ATV category world title.In addition to the sporting results of the first "Baja Morocco", the joy of all the competitors upon arrival, showed the total success of this unique organization on African soil. All champions and beginners, found here, the excitement and fun they sought. And it's a safe bet that the Baja Morocco is already promised to a great future!INTERVIEWSAlessandro Zanotti(Ita / TM 450 No. 101): "It was a great race. I thank the organization for making this possible. I also want to thank all my sponsors and my team for supporting me t in order to conquer the world title. My next goal? The Dakar with the new TM factory specially developed for this event. 'Manuele Lucchese(Ita / KTM 450 No. 121): "The main difference between Europe and the Baja Africa is the difficult terrain. This requires concentration at all times. But I'm so happy to win the World title in over 450 cc. I think the events are well-organized by NPO. I had already participated in the Oilibya Rally of Tunisia back in 2011 and I intend to take part in next year's rally, here in Morocco. In the short term, I expect a response from Husaberg regarding the Dakar. 'Laurent Legendre (KTM 450 No 114) : "Fist Baja, and it went without any navigation or technical problems, absolutely enjoyed it. And I wasn't expecting such a good score (5th) seeing that I have only owned a bike since 2008, competing since 2010, but I am very competitive! Living here in Morocco does give me a small advantage though".Luciano Di battista(team Massoni sport HM 450 No 122) : "I have competed in Spain and Hungary before so this is my third race and the best so far! I unfortunately I crashed heavily yesterday, but thanks to my team, who worked intensely overnight and rebuilt my bike so as to put me on the starting line this morning; I will be back !"Patrick Sanchez(Fra / KTM No. 148): "An exceptional end to the Baja! Today I was reasonable, taking the time to look at the markings. Not one navigational error. I got a fright that calmed me down when I saw Oscar (Romero) and Luis (Henderson) stopped along the track, that's when I opened the throttle to a max. This victory is amazing, especially for my first participation in such an event and more importantly, for my first race in Africa! One thing is certain: you will see me again next year ... "Communication NPO - www.npo.fr -

Source: http://www.fim-live.com/en/media/news/news-detail/article/1350473993-zanotti-the-lion-of-the-atlas/

Felice Agostini Giacomo Agostini Jack Ahearn Mitsuo Akamatsu Takashi Akita