When the dust cleared at the 2014 Dakar Rally on Saturday, it was Red Bull KTM rider Marc Coma who was first over the finish line in the motorcycle category. 

Just minutes after the Spaniard rode to victory, he spoke into the cameras, saying, “These are really strong, personal feelings. It represents a shedload of sacrifices and hard work. It’s an extreme race with ups and downs. Looking back, I remember being unable to start last year’s race. And yet I’m here now, I’ve won. I’d like to thank those around me who made this comeback possible. Every time I win this rally, I say I’m going to savour it. I’ll do it with my loved ones, my family. I don’t know if I’ll ever win it again. I’ll try, I’ll work hard for it but it’s a very complicated rally.”

This was Coma’s fourth Dakar Rally victory. He took the top step of the podium for the first time in 2006, and did it again in 2009 and 2011. A shoulder injury kept him from competing in the 2013 rally but with this year’s rally under his belt, he’s made a strong comeback.

According to his KTM rider profile, Coma is recognized for his skill and determination and an unflinching will to win that has driven him to the forefront of his sport.

Behind Coma in the 2014 Dakar Rally, taking second place, was fellow teammate and KTM rider, Jordi Viladoms, who was then followed by Yamaha Factory Racing’s Oliver Pain.