When the Australasian Safari starts tomorrow in Southern Cross, the 100 two-wheel and four-wheel competitors will get their first taste of a gruelling seven days of Western Australia‰Ûªs offroad conditions.
There will be strong competition on the bikes in 2010. The top three outright winners from 2009 are back in 2010. Two-time winner KTM rider Ben Grabham is looking for his third victory, and last year‰Ûªs winner Jacob Smith riding for Honda, and brother Todd Smith on a KTM will provide a huge challenge.
Grabham said he was going into the race with a plan to make it to the end.
‰ÛÏIt‰Ûªs a big crazy race where anything can happen and over such long distances and usually does. If I go out there and ride my best, I‰Ûªm happy," Grabham said.
Strong international contenders in 2010 are Brazil‰Ûªs number one offroad moto ride Ze Helio and Swedish Rally Princess Annie Seel, who won the women‰Ûªs trophy at the 2010 Dakar Rally. Both are riding for the Husaberg team.
It is Helio‰Ûªs first time in Australia and he is looking forward to testing his skills in our unique conditions.
‰ÛÏWe did some test rides over the past two days and I really enjoyed it.
‰ÛÏI‰Ûªve already seen some kangaroos, but I am used to these obstacles ‰ÛÒ in Brazil we sometimes see bulls, so kangaroos are better!
‰ÛÏEvery rally has its challenges and you need to be physically strong for the long days,‰Û
