THE mum of the first British competitor to win the Dakar Rally said she was “still in shock” at his victory.

Sam Sunderland, a former Lytchett Minster School student, made it to the end of the notoriously tough off-road endurance event 32 minutes ahead of his nearest competitor.

The 27-year-old, who now lives in Dubai, took the lead after stage five of 12.

Mum Jacki said: “I’m just so chuffed for him and proud of him. It hasn’t sunk in yet - I’m still in shock.”

Sam, a Red Bull KTM rider, rode to victory on his third attempt.

He previously entered in 2012 and 2014 with Honda, but was forced to retire on both occasions due to mechanical problems.

In 2014, he became the first British rider to win a stage of Dakar since John Deacon in 1998. Jacki, who lives in Poole, said: “It’s been two long weeks.

“It takes place over 9,000 kilometres. It’s just amazing that he’s won it. I don’t think people realise quite how tough it is.”

Sam first got into motocross at the age of seven, and began riding bikes around his grandfather’s farm in Ringwood.

He has been a sponsored pro since the age of 19.

“He’s just always been a natural at it,” said Jacki.

“No one else in the family has ever really been into motorbikes - it’s very much something he wanted for himself.”

She said Sam’s career had faced “trials and tribulations”, including a broken femur and his two earlier attempts at the Dakar Rally.

“It’s just so surreal,” she added. “When I see him on TV, I think, ‘That can’t be my son’. I’m so pleased for him.”

Jacki has been able to follow Sam’s progress through the different stages online.

“He’s been in the lead since stage five, so it’s been a huge pressure on his shoulders each day,” she said.

“It’s a very tactical race with lots of stress.

“It’s a mental challenge as well as a physical one.”

The 38th edition of the rally began in Asuncion, Paraguay and ran through Bolivia and Argentina.

It is widely regarded as the world’s hardest motorcycle event.