Dakar 2024: volcanic stones put Saudi Arabia’s competition in check

“The stones were very dangerous”he repeated Kevin Benavidesshaking his head as if he couldn’t comprehend what he had experienced. “I don’t understand what’s the point of doing so many kilometers on stones, it felt like a test rather than a rally. Above I saw two strong falls, like that of the Spaniard Tosha (Schareina) and that of (Joaquim) Rodrigues. And the truth is, I didn’t want it to end like this.”said the younger brother, Lucianocurrent world champion of the specialty.

The volcanic stones were the protagonists of an intense day. The route map marked an extensive route, more than 500 kilometres, but of which more than 100 on volcanic stones in the median area between AlUla and Al Hanakiyahnorth of Saudi Arabia.

“I do not understand why”was the phrase that was repeated most among the pilots of the camp, after finishing the first stage of the Dakar 2024. The stones, sharp and in such quantity, caused countless falls, blows and the physical and mental exhaustion of the journey. an area that becomes boring and unbearably dangerous.

“They want to eliminate and filter participants from the beginning”commented Manu Andujar, who despite the critical situation, achieved a good performance, placing fourth among the quadricycles. However, Francisco Moreno from Mendoza was outraged, who broke the protection of the crown of his paintings and the slow pace dropped Friday’s Prologue winner to 8th place, a difference of more than 35 minutes.

“Since I participated in the Dakar, today was the hardest thing I have ever experienced. There was no need to travel to a place with nearly 200 kilometers of stone mattresses. Especially for motorcyclists and quads. We know it’s a Dakar and we have to be prepared for everything, but this is a lot”commented Francisco Moreno, very saddened by the delay, but worried about what he experienced.

“I had problems with the chain guard, it came loose and broke. And this caused the ATV chain to constantly come off.added the Tupungato rider.

As Luciano Benavides reported, two incidents that affected the race, with the fracture of Tosha Schareina’s left wrist, the young Spanish driver who presented himself with enormous potential, after the many good results obtained in the previous one, and the defeat of Rodrigues.

Phase 1 was left behind, with widespread criticism from pilots. But the concern remains, given that the general director of the Dakar, David Castera, had predicted that the first stages would be very tough, given that “This is Dakar, whether you like it or not.”

And apparently the former French competitor kept his word. The Sunday day will begin at 5.50 pm with the departure of the first vehicle from the field, headed to Al Duwadimi, in a longer stage than Saturday’s controversy, given that the total distance will be 662 kilometres. Will the gentleman honor the advance payment? This is Dakar and obviously anything can happen.

Caution from the Argentines in the controversial initial phase

Prudence dominated the scene among Argentine riders in the controversial first stage of the 2024 Dakar. On motorbike, Kevin Benavides (KTM), defender of the 2023 victory, finished 8th in the stage and remains so in the general classification. His brother Luciano finished 15th and remains 14th in the standings. Rioja came behind Diego Llanos, Santiago Rostan and Sebastián Urquía. The category was dominated by Ross Branch of the Hero team.

In cars, Juan Cruz Yacopini he had an outstanding performance, making up ground after Friday’s poor prologue and is 12th overall, dominating Guillerme De Meviuswho was escorted by the Spaniards Carlos Sainzwith the hybrid Audi.

The candidates are further behind, with Nani Roma 18th; Sebastian Loeb 20; Nasser Al Attiyah 22nd and Stephane Peterhansel 24th.

On quadricycles, the lament of Francesco Morenoarrived as leader of the general classification and who now, after being smashed by stones, is more than 35 minutes behind the new leader, the Brazilian Marcelo Medeiros. Manuel Andujar, for his part, is in fourth place.

An incident with a spectator earlier in the day

The activity was interrupted when the cars were started in the special test. The car of Frenchman Lionel Baud accelerated at the start and, in a confusing situation, hit a spectator. Medical workers intervened immediately and the injured man was transported to hospital.

Due to this action, the scene of cars and trucks was interrupted, until an hour later when the activity was recomposed. David Castera, general director of the Dakar, spoke on the topic: “Just 200 meters from the start, a spectator was in a bad position and got scared when Baud’s car approached, hitting his leg”. In hospital it was found that the spectator had suffered a fracture of the tibia and fibula.