TVS trio ready to conquer Dakar terrain

BENGALURU: After intense preparation in Europe and Africa, Sherco TVS Factory Rally Team riders Joan Pedrero, Adrien Metge and KP Aravind are geared up for the Dakar Rally — the toughest off-roading event, beginning in Peru from January 6-20.
The trio will set off on their two-week-long adventure on improved Apache RTR 450 bikes. Covering a total distance of 9,000km, the rally will begin in Lima (Peru), travel through La Paz (Bolivia) before finishing in Cordoba (Argentina).
Pedrero, who joined the team this year, powered the team to 13th overall.The Barcelona rider, who will make his tenth Dakar appearance, will look to make the most of his experience to assist the team. "With experience things have become a lot easier for me. We have a good team and I can use my experience to guide them," said Pedrero, who holds two top-five finishes.
The trio participated in the Baja Aragon, Merzouga Rally, Pan Africa Rally and Rally of Morocco as part of the preparation for the Dakar bash.
Metge, who finished 22nd overall for Sherco TVS in the previous edition — his third Dakar appearance— said riding in the build-up events has helped him shape up well. "I got an opportunity to open some of the stages in the Dakar series rallies. That helped me improve my understanding of the navigation system. When you start after two or three drivers, you always rely on the trail mark of other riders but when you open you have discover the route by yourself with the help of navigation," the Frenchman said.
Meanwhile, Arvind had a disappointing run in the previous edition, exiting the rally following a crash in the third stage. However, the Mangaluru rider said his aim is to finish the event which he believes is an incredible achievement in itself. "Target is to finish all the stages because completing the rally itself is a mammoth task. Finishing is like winning for me. I am physically and mentally strong this time," he said.
Arvind believes his navigation skills have improved after having struggled with it during his debut run. "I made the most of these African and European rallies to improve my navigation which is crucial in Dakar. A minor navigation error will result in a crash or getting lost in the terrain. I had issues with it earlier but now better," he said.