The 2024 Dakar Rally resumed after a rest day. It was a 483-kilometer special, which took competitors along winding, rocky paths before transitioning into a stretch of dunes. Honda’s Nacho Cornejo started ninth and had the best time, which helped him as he continues to be one of the three top riders with the best chance to win the overall prize in 5 days time. The other two riders are Honda’s Ricky Brabec and Hero’s Ross Branch, who finished fifth and fourth on the stage. Brabec now holds a thin 1-second advantage over Branch in the overall lead, with Nacho 6:48 back. Jacob Argubright had a decent day, finishing 19th, even though he once again lost his seat and had to ride standing for most of the 6-hour ride.
Ricky Brabec: “Difficult day right from the start, tricky navigation made for a slower day up in the front. Lost the rear brakes early on so managed to ride the special with only the fronts which isn’t too bad but a little hairy in few situations. Spent a lot of the day riding up with Adrien Van Beveren & Toby Price to open the way and happy to have made it to the end of this day in a good position.”
Ross Branch: “It was a long stage today as well – 480 kms of really tough riding. But it was also a lot of fun. Lots of open flowing tracks and wadis and some dunes in the middle – I enjoyed it! The race in the front is now really close, so we’ve got a few days to manage it well and see what we can do.”
Jacob Argubright: “Had another issue with my seat and somehow received the quad roadbook tablet which caused some speed limiting issues for me all day so I just played it safe and just dialed it back for P19. Long day tho without a seat but I still cherish the days I have here at Dakar regardless. Bring on stage 8!”