Dakar, Skyler Howes: “The new route can suit my riding style”

One rider who stood out during the 2022 Rally Raid championship was American Skyler Howes, who scored his first championship win in the Rallye du Maroc. He wasn’t particularly lucky in the last Dakar, as he was forced to retire after just five stages, but with the factory team's Husqvarna, he will undoubtedly be one of the frontrunners of the 2023 edition.

“I’m excited and eager to compete in the 2023 Dakar. The new rules and longer format, combined with one of the most complicated navigations to date, make for a combination that suits my riding style”, comments a visibility optimistic Skyler. “It will definitely be a tough race, but I’m ready to go all out.”

Howes: “I’ve put the memories of the 2022 edition behind me”

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The last Dakar was a big disappointment for the Husqvarna rider: “Having to pull out of the race after just five stages was a real blow, especially for my morale. It took me a long time to get over the disappointment, so much so that I wasn’t in shape for the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge”.

“Luckily the situation improved and I was able to leave those bad memories behind, winning some minor races like the Silver State 300 and the Vegas to Reno and, particularly, the Rallye du Maroc”, continues Howes. “That was my first win in a world race, something I’ve been aiming for throughout my career. These results have boosted my morale, as have the recent tests with the factory Husqvarna team, so I’m coming into the 2023 Dakar with the right confidence.”