Kevin Benavides, the king of the Dakar: the impulse of Leo Messi and La Scaloneta and a very special memory

“I send my regards to Leo Messi and for all Argentina national team. I managed to win in Saudi Arabia. The triumph of the national team has a lot to do with it. One was very motivated. I always fight for my flag and put Argentina at the top of world motorcycling”.

The national football idol was greeted by Kevin Benavides who just got off the KTM after winning his second Dakar. And really, this time in his bunker, on every pitch, there was a festive atmosphere, with themes alluding to the national team, as well as wearing the Argentine colors on his helmet.

“I chose to believe and here we are”Said the man from Salta, in relation to his brand change between that 2021 victory and the current one. “Two years ago I won the Dakar and there were two special dates. January 9 was my day off and I celebrated my birthday a little more relaxed. And I consecrated myself on January 15th. This time I blew out the candles on January 9, my day off, and today, January 15, I’m still celebrating,” he recalled.

Once you reach your goal, Benavides looked at the sky, screamed, raised his right arm and some tears fell: “This is thanks to the support of my family, who have always given me all the possibilities to be able to do what I like. To my friends, to my people, to the formidable team,” underlined the champion.

But the special dedication was left for last: “And this victory is for Paulo, who guides me from above. I feel it at every step that helps me achieve all of this,” confessed Kevin, alluding to the Portuguese driver Paul Goncalvesdisappeared three years ago in the first Dakar which took place in Saudi Arabia.

Fast, much loved by all its competitors and by the Dakar environment in particular, suffered a fall in the first edition which took place in the Middle East. That crash was a big blow for Kevin, as he felt sponsored by the experienced Portuguese driver.

Dammann, Saudi Arabia. Special for Clarion.