published by Writing on Friday January 15, 2021 at 10:21 AM
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This time it’s done, Kevin Benavides wins the 2021 edition of the Dakar. At the end of the last stage disputed this Friday January 15, the Argentinian driver takes 2nd place behind his teammate Ricky Brabec. With more than 4 minutes ahead of the provisional yesterday, this 2nd place is enough to allow him to clinch his 1st victory on the famous rally raid. ” I started the stage in front and after 15 kilometers, I found it complicated but I stayed focused, without going 100%. And now it’s true, I won the Dakar, I’m super happy. It’s impossible to have a perfect Dakar. But when you make a mistake you shouldn’t panic. On stage 5, when I crashed, I said to myself that maybe my Dakar was over. But I kept pushing and now it’s even better. I only thought about winning the Dakar today… in the last kilometer. Because everything can change in a second. It was my dream to write history, I am the first South American to win on a motorcycle« .
Big thought for Pierre …
Behind Benavides, defending champion Brabec takes 2nd place, giving Honda a historic double. Author of a difficult day, Sam Sunderland nevertheless retained 3rd place in the final while Daniel Sanders and Skyler Howes completed the top 5. Victim of a mechanical problem, Adrien Van Beveren was forced to retire. Under these conditions, Camille Chapelière won the best French performance of this 2021 edition, 22nd of his 1st Dakar ahead of Benjamin Melot, 25th, Mathieu Dovèze, 29th, Xavier Flick, 32nd and Charlie Herbst, 35th. If it should be time to celebrate, it is with a heavy heart that this Dakar ends. During his repatriation to France after his heavy fall during stage 7, Pierre Cherpin died of his injuries. We think very much of our family and loved ones. Courage.
By the editorial staff.
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12th stage classification:
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Final classification:
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