Franco Picco scored a podium finish at the Dakar Rally in 1985. This year, he returned to the world’s most prestigious rally race with the simple aim of crossing the finish line.
He succeeded – despite the fact that this year’s race was one of the most demanding in recent memory.
“This new and exciting experience at the Dakar 2021 was for me both a blast from the past and a totally new experience: new location, new bike and new equipment including an airbag vest, which was mandatory for the first time this year.
Looking for the perfect airbag system, I got in contact with KLIM. Having experienced the quality of their technical equipment first-hand, I decided to ride in KLIM gear head to toe, including the airbag vest, of course.
Fortunately, I wasn’t involved in any serious accidents this year. But apparently the mandatory airbag averted far more serious consequences for those less fortunate than me. In fact, there were many crashes, so any progress in terms of security in our sport is very welcome.
After 35 years of off-road rallying and traveling in the desert, I am really happy with my choice. The KLIM equipment provided me with both a high level of safety and adequate comfort, even in extreme conditions, such as during the hours of extreme heat in the middle of the day or the freezing transfers at sunrise.”
BIOGRAPHY
Born on October 4th, 1955, in Vicenza, Franco Picco’s racing career began in motocross. He won the Italian 250cc Junior Championship in 1976 and the Italian 500cc Championship in 1978. His debut in African racing happened almost by chance in 1985. At that time he was an official Yamaha Motocross rider who decided to participate in the “Dakar” to improve his riding skills in the sand. Right from the beginning Franco surprised everyone and led the race for many stages to finish in third place overall. Consequently, Yamaha decided that his future as a factory rider would be in off-road rallying, and he kept that status until 1990.
In addition to numerous top finishes in the Rally Dakar, Franco also scored two victories at the Rally des Pharaons.
HIGHLIGHTS AT DAKAR
2021: 43rd – Husqvarna – Saudi Arabia
2010: 23rd (Marathon class winner) –
Yamaha WR450F – Buenos Aires / Buenos Aires
2002: 48th – by car – Arras Madrid Dakar
2000: 36th – by car – Paris Dakar Cairo
1990: 5th – Yamaha – Paris Dakar (1 stage won)
1989: 2nd – Yamaha – Paris Dakar (1 stage won)
1988: 2nd – Yamaha – Paris Dakar (2 stages won)
1987: 4th – Yamaha – Paris Dakar (2 stages won)
1986: 10th – Yamaha – Paris Dakar (4 stages won)
1985: 3rd – Yamaha – Paris Dakar
OTHER WINS
1992: Winner of the Rally des Pharaons on Gilera
1991: Winner of the Transpaña on Suzuki
1986: Winner of the Rally des Pharaons on Yamaha
