Despite Saudi Arabia’s cancellation of all commercial flights and closing its borders in December because of COVID concerns, the oldest OEM in Spain, and newest player in the U.S. off-road market, Rieju will be on the starting line for the Dakar Prologue tomorrow morning. “Fortunately, the logistics of the event have been resolved and participation of our team is guaranteed,” claims Rieju race director Miguel Garcia. “Our vehicles and technical equipment are already in Jeddah and our riders are looking forward making history with Rieju.”
“It is a special Dakar for me because of the difficulties caused by COVID that have complicated preparation more than we would have wanted,” says Oriol Mena. He knows the drill having finished 7th overall and Rookie Of The Year in 2018 and 9th (top Spanish rider) in 2019 before injury forced him to sit out 2020. “I have to thank all the team that has made it possible for us to be on the start line on January 3rd and especially the Rieju family, for their support and formation of this structure with which we want to collect many successes."
With more than 700,000 kilometers traveled in the desert, Joan Pedrero is no rookie. The rider from Canet de Mar arrives at his 13th Dakar with a couple of stage wins (2014 and 2017), as well as finishing 5th overall in 2011 and 2013, and 16th in 2020. "Facing this new Dakar with a new team, with Rieju, makes me very excited, almost as if it was the first,” he says. “We have trained hard for this edition and I am convinced that we will make a good team between the three riders. We have experience, many kilometers traveled, and I rely on experience to make a good position."
The team is rounded out by a real rookie, Spanish Enduro champ Marc Calmet. "Participating in the Dakar has always been a dream for me and doing so by the support of Rieju and my two teammates, with their experience, is a luxury that I face with great enthusiasm and very aware of the hardness of the test. I feel very welcomed by my teammates of whom and with a combined effort we can achieve great things."
Rieju's participation in the Dakar dates back to 2009. The brand developed two enduro models (Marathon 250 and 450) and made its debut with 3 motorcycles that year. This first participation was followed by another two Dakar runs with the Marathon 450. Rieju rider Filippo Ciotti then won the standard production motorcycles class in in 2011.
RIEJU BY THE NUMBERS
-Oldest active Spanish OEM.
-Family-owned business with 100% own capital.
-Produces 17,000 vehicles/year with 38 different models.
-Exports 90% of its production to more than 30 countries, including the U.S. as of 2020.
-More than 500,000 units manufactured.
-Concerned about sustainability in 2010 they started producing electric two wheelers.
For more details about Rieju’s U.S. dealer program, contact:
Central Powersports Distribution
PO Box 215
Watertown, SD 57201
www.cpd.direct
Ph: 605-878-1005
Fax: 605-878-1023