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Dakar 2009: Honda-Mini Interview With Mick Extance |
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File under Dakar Race Honda
Author: Honda Press Release
Location: Normandy, France
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Via: Honda Dakar
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This is tougher than Africa
Mick Extance is by far the most experienced rider in the Dakarsport/Team Honda Europe. Since 2002 he's been in the Dakar every year. Always in the top 50, his best result was the 26th place overall in 2006. Mick (46) has been riding motocross and enduro his whole life. He was European Enduro champion in 2002, and won a gold medal and two silver medals in the International Sixdays.
 Mick Extance © Honda |
 Mick Extance |
Mick Extance: "This year I am out here to race and not just finish. From the first time I saw Dakar on TV, at the age of 17, I wanted to race here."
With his father he always talked about his dreams of doing the Dakar.
Mick:,,My father died at the age of 60 of cancer. For me that was the moment to say: o.k., I'm going to do it. I always felt the top 20 is doable, and that's my aim."
Slowly approaching his aim Mick feels confident and is determined to finish this Dakar.
"It is far tougher than anything they threw at me in Africa. The dust makes it extremely tough, imagine riding with zero sight."
2007 was the first time together with Henk in the Team Honda Europe.
"I introduced Henk to Honda in 2006, and together we've been trying to get Honda Europe involved. The interest worldwide in the 450 is very strong; some of the best enduro riders in the world come to the Dakar. Of course it would be great if Honda but also the other 450 manufacturers were more involved in the Dakar."
"Compared to my first Dakar, I've learned so much. Sometimes I put too much pressure on myself. Days like today and yesterday, when the stages are long and tough, I like the most. But I am still creeping up on the list, towards my goal! I always feel it's a massive privilege to be here, and I try not to forget I should enjoy it as well, because it's something really special!"
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