For the Dakar 2013, Henk Knuiman has recruited his brother Sten for the team he is setting up, ensuring the family tradition continues…
A dynasty seems to be in the making: the name of Knuiman has stood out for many a year in the standings for the Dakar, because a certain Henk was amongst the finishers of the 1982 edition. Since then, Henk Knuiman Jr has taken his bow on the rally, his skills and efficiency earning him the role of water carrier for Marc Coma in 2011, as well as enabling him to climb into the Top 10 on several occasions. This year, the bikers on the rally will be getting to know Sten. The rather impressive family history on the Dakar incite the younger Knuiman brother to be rather humble ahead of venturing out on his first attempt at the Dakar: “It’s my turn to try it out now and I’ve been preparing for it for as long as I can remember. I just want to finish: if Henk can do it, then so can I. That said, I’m not as good as him technically and I don’t have his experience in the dunes, so I’m not aiming for anything in the standings”. Aware of his limits, Sten also knows that he will not be on the receiving end of any brotherly love during the race. “Henk told me that he will help me right up to the starting line, but afterwards it will be every man for himself”.
