In 2017 Nicola completed the Merzouga Rally and the Rally of Morocco, finishing in 41st position.
He has assistance from Spanish rider Julián Villarubia “To finish the race with my friend, with a paraplegic pilot, I think it would mean writing a beautiful page in the history of sports, this is something so personal, so intimate and a lesson in life so great, that I have plenty of motivation, “said Villarubia.
The Italian will be riding an adapted KTM 450 Rally. He hopes to be the first paraplegic motorcycle rider to finish an edition of the Dakar.
“I will compete with a KTM equipped with a special roll-bar to protect my legs, that I have developed, and on the handlebar I have the buttons for the rear and front brake, the change gear and to accelerate. I’m actually tied to the bike. I won’t be alone. I will share this adventure with 3 other drivers who will escort me one riding in front, one on each side and one behind me. It’s a team work. We have competed together the Dakar Series as the Merzouga Rally and the Morocco Rally. I take the start motivated to give the maximum. I’m fascinated by the idea to spend many hours on the bike pushing forward my physical and mental limits. Scared? Nothing scares me”.
Nicola is 115th overall after Stage 4.
