Longreach Yamaha dealer, Rod Faggotter, finished the 2013 Dakar Rally with a solid 14th place aboard his Yamaha YZ450F in one of the world’s most gruelling off-road events.

Faggotter, racing for the European based HFP Yamaha team, battled his way through the 15 day event, across three countries and a wide variety of racing conditions, to finish 14th and be the highest finishing Australian rider in the event.

With each stage length varying between 500 to 1000kms, Faggotter overcame starting the event towards the rear of the field, as this was only his second attempt at the famed race, but he picked off riders each day and impressed many has he fought and clawed his way up the leader board.

196 riders started the event with only 125 completing the entire course. After 45 hours of racing, Faggotter’s 14th place was some 2.5 hours behind eventual winner, Cyril Depres.

“What a tough and challenging event,” Faggotter said. “Every day there was a new challenge, whether it be the course, learning to read the maps, the other riders, cars or quads and then just the physical and mental pressure of staying focussed and on the job every time you get on the bike.

“The last few days were really tough as the course had some extremely technical sections and fatigue was a real factor for everyone. Thankfully, I was able to keep it together, get through each day the best I could and we got to the finish line. I’m pretty relieved right now and looking forward to a couple of days rest.”

Faggotter thanked the HFP team for their support throughout the event, along with Yamaha Australia who also gave great support to the Queensland native.

“I also want to thank the HFP team for their support in the lead up and throughout the event,” he added. Having an experienced and knowledgeable team behind you makes my job on the bike so much easier. Yamaha Australia has also been a huge help in getting me into this position, so again, thank you to them.”

After such a strong performance, Faggotter said he is ready to give it another shot after proving to himself that he can run up front with the world’s best.

“Now that I have shown that I’m capable of being up the front and can do well, the HFP team has already spoken about stepping up support,” Faggotter explained. “Also with this year’s finish, I should be able to start near the front of the field and not have to contend with the dust like this year.”

“I now know what to expect and can alter my preparations to suit. I’m satisfied to finish 14th and the effort was all worthwhile. The aim now is to come back next year and improve on this result.”

Faggoter’s performance has not gone unnoticed, as the little known Australia rider with a Yamaha motorcycle shop in western Queensland battled with the sports’ biggest names, and also had several riders and teams looking through the program to see who the number 123 rider was.

Yamaha Australia’s Ray Howard congratulated Faggotter on his impressive performance and looks forward to seeing the Australian return for another shot in 2014.

“On behalf of Yamaha Motor, I would like to congratulate Rod on a sensational effort in this years’ Dakar event,” said Howard. “To finish the event is an accomplishment in itself but Rod rode exceptionally well and to finish 14th in this event is an amazing feat.

“It was a job well done and he has earned himself a couple of days rest and hopefully he can back in 2014 and crack the top 10.”

Rod is due back in Australia in the next few days where he will start his preparations for his 2013 domestic season as the spear head of the Yamaha Desert Racing team. Fellow Australian’s Ben Grabham, Warren Strange, Todd Smith, Simon Pavey and Matt Fish took home 15th, 23rd, 34th, 60th and 111th place finishes, respectively.