Balooshi proud to fly UAE flag at Dakar Rally 2018

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  • Renowned for being the most successful Arab motocross rider, Mohammed Balooshi will also have the distinction of being the only one in action at the Dakar Rally early next year.

    The annual rally raid has been held in South America since 2009 and the latest edition will run through Peru, Bolivia and Argentina from January 6 to 20.

    Having recovered from a knee injury he sustained at the FIM Cross Country Rally World Championship in Qatar last year, Balooshi earned his spot in the 40th edition of the Dakar Rally based on his results in the World Championship over the last couple of years.

    He will be competing with the best off-road riders in the world in what’s widely regarded as the toughest race on the planet. A two-week battle of wit and skill will culminate at the finish line in Cordoba, Argentina.

    The rally serves up four categories including cars, trucks and quads but Balooshi will feature in the motorcycle class which is regarded as the most challenging.

    He made his Dakar Rally bow back in 2012 but this is will be his first appearance in the race since. Having been forced to an early retirement with a broken wrist last time around, he now gets the opportunity see it through to the end.

    “The Dakar Rally is unfinished business to me, and I feel super excited about having a second chance at it,” Balooshi said. “This race is beyond extreme, and with the demanding admission process the organisers have in place for the bikes, it’s a privilege to be part of it.”

    There’s also a special significance to the Emirati representing UAE at the rally in 2018. In celebration of the 100th birthday anniversary of the nation’s father Sheikh Zayed, Balooshi will be racing under the “Year of Zayed” banner.

    “The biggest plus for me this time is to be able to take to these remote lands in South America the colours of the UAE flag and the strength of our country’s father, racing under the “Year of Zayed” hashtag. It’s an honour for me, and I will carry our colours and the name of Sheikh Zayed with great pride,” an excited Balooshi expressed.

    A connoisseur of difficulties and with a track record of powerful recoveries, the Emirati rider is not intimidated by the obstacles and treacherous terrain the race serves up.

    Balooshi in action

    Balooshi in action

    Two years ago, Balooshi notably gained international recognition when he pushed his 160 kg motorcycle across the Egyptian desert for 5 kilometers to reach a service point after an electrical problem at the Pharaons Rally (World Championship event) almost put him out of the competition.

    His sheer strength of character not only allowed him to finish the race in third place, but also earned him respect in the racing community.

    “The late and loved Sheikh Zayed was quoted as saying “The real asset of any advanced nation is its people.” I have always believed in his words. Our support to the Emirati Athlete Mohamed Balooshi is the trust Maximus Air has towards his bravery and passion,” said Mohamed Al Qassimi, CEO of Maximus Air.

    “I’m happy to have this in collaboration with The Year of Zayed 2018; where the legacy of Sheikh Zayed will be highlighted, preserved by the people of UAE, and acted upon that continues to inspire other countries as well.”

    Alongside Maximus Air, Al Ain Water and Sports 2 are the other Emirati companies supporting Balooshi and have gone the extra mile with him to support his initiative of racing under the “Year of Zayed” slogan.

    Balooshi is also the first Red Bull athlete in the MENA region and their collaboration is the company’s longest in these parts, spanning over 14 years.

    The 40th Dakar Rally will cover a total of 9,000 kilometres and with just over 30 days until the start of the competition, Balooshi’s is on a tight schedule as he trains for the gruelling challenge.

    “Rally Racing is very demanding from a physical point of view, but also mentally. We have 500 kms a day of proper racing and, on a bike, without a chassis around your body to protect you if you fall, it’s important to minimize the number of mistakes you make,” Balooshi explains.

    “It’s challenging because on a bike you’re alone, riding at 160km per hour through unknown terrain, and you have to keep up with your riding and navigation. The smallest mistake can throw you to the ground and send you home with broken bones. Knowing this, I am prepared to fight and I’m excited about proving that, in the UAE, we are strong competitors and are up for any challenge.”

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