Roma: 'A dream come true'

"When I was little, my mother gave me a book on the history of the Dakar, from its creation to 1985," he continued. "Every night I would read it. I would have never imagined riding a bike one day, compete on a Dakar and win it! It's amazing being a part of its history.

"Peterhansel was my hero," he added. "I remember 1993 during an enduro in Assen when I took advantage of the fact he was in the shower to steel his t-shirt and socks. I still have them."

But Roma's victory couldn't have come to a better person. The Spaniard has suffered in the deserts in past years, either getting himself lost whilst leading or even falling aimlessly, breaking bones. But after seeing a psychologist, Roma has finally understood how to ride the Dakar, and win!

"I'm very happy that all the people are so pleased about my victory," Roma said. "I've often thought about the win, but I can't describe what I feel now.

"During the whole year I saw a psychologist because I realised that each time I fell in the previous years, it was at low speed and was only a question of concentration. We did some excellent work together and that's part of the little things that made me win.

"Everything happened so quickly. I first have to eat, have a shower and calm down to understand what's happening to me. But it's a dream come true."