SAINZ AND BRABEC TAKE WINS IN DAKAR 2020

Ricky Brabec made history by becoming the first American to win the Dakar – Photo: Supplied

The 42nd edition of the Dakar took competitors from the shores of the Red Sea in Jeddah, through canyons, mountains and sand dunes around the country before wrapping up near the new Qiddiya Sports and Culture Complex near the capital Riyadh.

By RHYS VANDERSYDE

Australian Toby Price on the podium – Photo: Supplied

BIKES

Ricky Brabec made history by becoming the first American to win the Dakar, sealing victory in the bike class on the final stage by setting the second-fastest time. The Honda rider also took the first win for the brand in 31 years, ending KTM’s 18-win streak going back to 2001.

“We’re here. We won!” said Brabec at the finish line.

“At the end, we put the pieces to the puzzle together. We couldn’t do it without every rider in the team. I’m really happy. It’s my fifth Dakar, my second time finishing… I woke up this morning just happy to ride the last day.”

“We had to be smart and focused every day. There’s no top guy on the team, we all work together, we’re a family. We all won.”

Pablo Quintanilla put in another solid ride for Husqvarna to take second place overall. While Australian Toby Price rounded out the podium for KTM.

In a rally where over 30% of the competitors who started failed to finish, all five Australians who took to the start completed the event. Rodney Faggotter finished up in 13th position overall. Ben Young 58th, Trevor Wilson 76th and Matthew Tisdall 96th.

Carlos Sainz who took his third Dakar victory – Photo: Supplied

CARS

In the car class, it was Carlos Sainz who took his third Dakar victory for his third different manufacturer, this time aboard an X-Raid Mini.

After taking the lead of the class on Stage 3, the Spaniard was only really threatened after a small mistake on Stage 8 but held off the threat to once again stand on the top of the podium.

“I feel very happy. There’s a lot of effort behind this.” said Sainz.

“A lot of training, practice, physically, with the team… We started winning this Dakar on day one and we have gone flat out from the beginning.”

Toyota’s Nasser Al-Attiyah won the final stage the ensure he took second place in the overall standings. While Stéphane Peterhansel completed the podium for X-Raid Mini.

TRUCKS

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