Cyril Despres wins 2010 Dakar

Third went to Chilean rider Francisco "Chaleco" Lopez Contardo, riding for Aprilia. Out of the original 151 bikes to begin the Dakar, less than half remained to start the final special Stage 14. Despite having raced for more than 5,153 miles, this was the deciding stage that would determine the ultimate winner. The overall leader since Stage 3 and the winner of two stages, Cyril Despres grabbed the sixth fastest time. The KTM ace finished 17 seconds ahead of Olivier Pain and 21 seconds in front of Marc Coma.

Despres reclaimed his Dakar crown after losing it last year to Coma. This is the Frenchman's 3rd Dakar victory, having previously won it in 2005 and again in 2007.
Pal Anders Ullevalseter fought a fierce battle for second and held on to it all the way to the end, earning his ninth second place finish in the Dakar Rally.
Despres said, "It was a tough Dakar, a beautiful Dakar and I am so glad I won."
"I have been riding this bike for 15 days and I am exhausted but the little strength I had left just went in tears.
"KTM played a big part in this victory. They trusted us. We chose everyone. We have been working 24/7 for months. One thing is clear; I was not afraid of losing. I just wanted to win. And this will to win was stronger than the fear of losing."

2010 Dakar Rally Final Results:
1. Despres (FRA) KTM 51:10:37
2. Ullevalseter (NOR) KTM 52:13:29 01:02:52
3. Lopez Contardo (CHL) APRILIA 52:20:25 01:09:48
4. Rodrigues (PRT) YAMAHA) 52:30:10 01:19:33
5. Fretigne (FRA) YAMAHA 53:06:33 01:55:56
6. Duclos (FRA) KTM 53:09:12 01:58:35
7. Street (USA) KTM 54:00:20 02:49:43
8. Przygonski (POL) KTM 54:26:36 03:15:59
9. Pain (FRA) YAMAHA 54:38:57 03:28:20
10. Pedrero Garcia (ESP) KTM 54:44:25 03:33:48