Metro People: Only Indian to complete Dakar Rally 2019

33-year-old Aravind KP from Udupi is the only Indian racer to complete the Dakar Rally this year, an annual rally ride organised by the Amaury Sports Organisation.

The Dakar Rally started in Lima, Peru on January 9 and came to an end on January 17, after 10 stages of the competition. Among 173 bikers, the 33-year-old managed to secure the 37th position.

Aravind, who is also a commerce graduate, has been racing since the age of 19. He has represented the Sherco-TVS Rally Factory team consecutively for three years at Dakar.

Also having been with TVS Racing for over 12 years, he has won 17 National Championships in dirt track, rallies and motocross race formats. He is also the first Indian to win an overseas Motocross Championship in Sri Lanka.

Over the past three years, Aravind has delivered strong performances in various international rallies like India Baja, Morocco Rally, PanAfrica Rally, OiLibya Rally, Baja Aragon and more.

Aravind also practices surfing, swimming and cycling.