Kevin Benavides is the 2021 Dakar Rally winner
By Team TMX on 15th Jan 21
Rally Sam Sunderland Dakar Ricky Brabec Kevin Benavides
After twelve gruelling stages, Monster Energy Honda Rally rider Kevin Benavides has won the 2021 Dakar Rally, becoming the first South American to do so.
The HRC team sealed the top two podium spots after last year's winner Ricky Brabec won the final stage to secure second overall. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing's Sam Sunderland was not able to reel in Benavides but did deliver a third place for his British fans.
"I gave my all at every chance and finished up the third-best guy," said Sunderland. "I knew there was a slight chance to do something good today and would have to do something really wrong to be off the podium so I went all in and ended up making a nav error and losing time but Im happy I tried and grateful for all the support from my team over the past two weeks! Thanks for following along for the ride its been a hell of a journey!"
It was an intense, yet intriguing 202-kilometre special stage, which brought down the curtain on the Dakar Rally on the shores of the Red Sea. And it could not have been a happier one for the elated Monster Energy Honda Team riders.
This marks a first title for the Argentinean Monster Energy Honda Team rider and, once again, a historic result for Honda, who dominated throughout the 2021 Dakar. Over 12 tough days, Monster Energy Honda Team commanded the rally, accomplishing the final mission for a second successive year.
More reports to follow.
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