Sam Sunderland claims Michelin’s 37th Dakar bike win

The two-wheel category of the 2022 Dakar was won by Sam Sunderland (GasGas Factory Racing) who came out on top after an exceptionally close fight to repeat his victory of 2017. The Briton handed GasGas its maiden success on the event and took Michelin’s score to 37 bike victories.  

Sunderland earned the top prize in Saudi Arabia after more than 4,000 kilometers of stage action across a varied and challenging route made up chiefly of dunes and rock-strewn terrain.

His MICHELIN Desert Races proved unbeatable over the mix of sandy, compact and rocky ground which was littered with sharp stones in many places. There were also several damp portions following a spell of heavy rain over the region, but his Bib Mousse-equipped tires shrugged off the punishment to deliver a successful combination of grip, low wear and stability.

Sunderland is the first rider to have won the Dakar with two different bikemakers (KTM and GasGas) since Frenchman Richard Sainct achieved the same feat 20 years ago.

“The stage times were incredibly close this year,” he commented after the finish. “I would like to thank all those whose help and support made my victory possible. This one feels even sweeter than the first.”

The final standings saw fellow Michelin rider Matthias Walkner (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) finish on the third step of the podium, while Adrien Van Beveren (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team / Michelin) had to settle for fourth after twice topping the order in the course of the rally.

Two-time Dakar victor Toby Price (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) recovered from a tough start to pocket 10th place.

Michelin would like to thank all the riders who placed their confidence in its tires and congratulate them on their individual performances during the event’s 44th running.