By Staff reporter
WINDHOEK – Ingo Waldschmidt, Namibia’s enduro rider finished in third overall in the Africa Eco Race, which ended in Dakar, Senegal, last Sunday.
He is expected back home in Namibia tomorrow and all motor sport lovers have been urged to give him a hero’s welcome, as he jets in at the Hosea Kutako International Airport.
Waldschmidt was among 29 bikers, 10 truck drivers and about 130 car racers and their teams. He was the only Namibian taking part in the endurance race, which was indeed his childhood dream.
“I received my first motor bike when I was eight years old. I grew up on a farm, therefore, I had a lot of terrain to ride on.
My elder brother Eckhard, started to race moto cross in 1979 and after watching him for one year, he helped me to finance my first Yamaha 80cc.
We both had an absolute passion for riding motor bikes and it didn’t take us long before we started winning championships.
“During my career, I have won a lot of moto cross, enduro and off-road events. I have participated in moto cross, enduros and off-roads in countries like South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Germany.
“My biggest dream was to compete in the Dakar Rally. Nobody from Namibia has ever attempted this event and my dream was finally realised,” concluded Waldschmidt.
The Africa Eco Rally was initiated five years ago and largely follows the route of the former Paris-Dakar Rally, which was moved to South America in 2009 due to security threats.
After Saturday’s race, Waldschmidt’s wife, Lisa, said the racer would be flying the Namibian flag on the final 24-kilometre stage along the beach towards the Senegalese capital, Dakar.
“The ride along the beach to Dakar is almost the highlight of the race and, mark my words, Ingo will be flying a big Namibian flag, realising that he has achieved his ultimate dream,” she said.
Saturday’s stage was the last one in Mauritania and consisted of a 202-kilometre ride through the sand dunes.
The overall winner, Pal Anders Ullevalseter of Norway, once again won the stage while Waldschmidt came second overall with just six minutes behind.
This secured Waldschmidt’s third place overall.
“Ingo just phoned. He is overwhelmed with emotion.
“He is crying and says he has so many thoughts in his head. It doesn’t feel real. He has three big trophies. One of which being first place African competitor position,” concluded Lisa Waldschmidt.