Sponsorship is a fickle thing, I'm sure, but it just seems unfair (maybe fairness has nothing to do with it, but it is frustrating) to me that Riaan isn't getting recognition as a world class rider. Also, I guess the KTM attraction is huge and it is VERY competitive to get any kind of factory support from KTM. It is also arguable that KTM helped Riaan in his Dakar success - so, not easy to move from KTM to any another . . . BUT . . .
Let's compare him with Michael Metge:
Dakar 2013:
Riaan
13th overall on debut
Metge
18th oveall on debut
Dakar 2014:
Riaan
12th overallMetge
13th overallDakar 2015:
Riaan (as privateer with sponsors and some KTM support) ended Stage 7 in 10th, which placed him
12th overall, before his bike gave up (salt damage) on Stage 8
Metge (as a factory rider for Yamaha) got 3rd place in Stage 6, but ended Stage 7 in
17th overall and also withdrew with mechanical on Stage 8
Remarkably similar results, with Riaan pipping Metge, BUT:
Dakar 2016:
Riaan not competing
Metge on the Honda factory team!!
I guess Metge has a higher profile, being a European rider and doing well throughout the year, but still - Riaan has the edge in the Dakar results! . . .
