N° 242 - TEAM TECHNORAID
- DETANG
- Dominique
- FRA
- 31/10/1967
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Dominique Detang (FRA): “You have to prepare for the worst situations”
He would see the Dakar caravan go past his home in Burgundy. Dominique Detang was then only 20-years of age but he was already fascinated by this rather unfamiliar show. “For me it was the beginning of a dream”.
Ten years later, he bought a bike but didn’t feel yet ready to battle it out in the dunes. “The Dakar isn’t trivial. I didn’t want to decide myself just like that”.
Each year however, during the month of January his wife would see him “move around on the couch”, with eyes riveted on the TV screen.
In January 2001, he went to Senegal on holiday. Not really a decision out of the blue. “Everything was planned; it wasn’t just a simple holiday but the opportunity to see the finish of the greatest of rallies”. The show reinforced his intention to take part but there was one last obstacle left.
“My wife had told me, he explains. You can do whatever rally you want but not the Dakar”. Too difficult, too dangerous. “She finished by giving in and let me take on the challenge”.
With the support of his wife, Dominique Detang started a physical preparation. Mountain-biking, body building, running: he wanted to be ready. “So that everything goes well you have to prepare for the worst situations. I know that there won’t only be easy moments”. And among the first efforts he decided on: “to reduce big meals”. “The first mistake would be to take on the challenge without being serious”, explains the determined biker.
His friends can’t believe it: “you’re going to do the Dakar? The real Dakar?’’ According to him the rally has a unique aura. “It’s the only known rally for those who know nothing about rallies”. Around him, a little fan club was started and the support of his relatives is very important. Just like the advice of his friends who tried the adventure before him. For the first time, Dominique Detang will not envy them. At 40 years of age he too will have his little part of legend. With only one goal: to reach Dakar, the Lac Rose and get to the end of his dream.
