Kevin Benavides wins Atacama Rally
By Press Release on 19th Aug 18
The Atacama Rally, on Chilean soil, turned out to be hugely successful for Monster Energy Honda Teams Argentinean rider Kevin Benavides, who clinched overall victory and the leadership of the Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.
The final day, on a 155-kilometre looping route, starting and finishing in Copiapo, was battled out over the same course that had been used in Stage One. Competitors had to have their wits about them and were faced with some challenging navigation in the dunes as well as some off-piste and dry river beds.
Kevin Benavides rounded off the Atacama Rally as he had started; proving to be the sharpest rider in the race, claiming the final stage and the overall rally victory after an intense final day. The Argentine dominated, stamping his mark of authority throughout the stage and leaving adversaries unable to keep his trail.
Moreover, the victory takes Benavides to the head of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship leaderboard, where he now shares the same points as the incumbent world champion.
The next appointment for the Monster Energy Honda Team will be at the Desafio Ruta 40 in Argentina to be held at the end of next week. The race will take place from August 25 -31 getting underway in San Miguel de Tucumn and concluding in San Juan.
Benavides: "I'm very happy; it has been an amazing Atacama Rally for me. I won three stages and I felt very comfortable on the bike, which has worked perfectly throughout the even.
"The team has worked very well and this has given me the tools needed for the victory. I was able to stay very focused and was confident in myself. Winning here is not easy - Quintanilla is very strong. I've been looking forward to this victory for a long time and Im really savouring it!"
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