DOHA: Bike legend Marc Coma of Spain, the defending champion at this week’s Sealine Cross-Country Rally, is targeting to finish races without injuries or mishaps.
Coma has regained full fitness after a shoulder injury sustained last October that forced the Spaniard out of Dakar Rally in January this year.
“I sustained the injury in October last year. Initially we thought it was a small injury that would heal with rest but it turned out to be a nerve issue,” Coma, the three-time Dakar Rally champion, said.
“At that time I thought my shoulder was broken. Thankfully though, the injury wasn’t as bad as I originally feared,” the Spaniard said.
“I just dislocated my shoulder. It was unfortunate that this has happened but as bad as it was, things could have been a lot worse,” he said.
“I’ve fallen, and it’s not the first time nor the last. Whenever that has happened. I’ve gotten up and we’ve always continued, we have become stronger,” he said.
“I missed the Dakar Rally (in January this year) but now I am fit. I took part in the Abu Dhabi Challenge without thinking of a win,” Coma added.
“I made a nice competition there,” he said.
“I just wanted to finish the race. Fortunately I won and now I am getting back into completing races without incidents,” the KTM rider said.
“I must say I am happy to be back here. This is my second time in Qatar.
“The course set out this year looks good but challenging.
“I give credit to QMMF for setting up things perfectly here. The logistics here allow us to push our limits. The overall support for rider and drivers is great,” Coma said.
“I’m pleased with my riding. My navigation is strong, my speed is good and I know my fitness will be fine,” Coma said.
“My plan is to simply assess each day as it comes and take it from there. I believe that there are many riders now capable of winning this race but I feel as capable as anybody else of getting the job done,” he added.
“I have had my rest and now I feel fine,” Coma said. “I was not 100 percent ready for Dakar Rally and that’s why I did not take part in it.
“But now, I am ready to race here.
“Last year, the route surprised me. We have to use the GPS here but the riders are not worried since the organisers have done a great job in setting up the logistics (on safety),” he said. “I will try to win again like last year. I feel that there’s a perfect route for a perfect race here,” he said without elaborating. THE PENINSULA
