Ruta 40: Thrilling climax as Paulo Goncalves triumphs in Argentina
By Team TMX on 2nd Sep 18
Monster Energy Hondas Paulo Gonalves has clinched the overall victory in the Desafo Ruta 40, the fourth round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship.
The final stage of the Desafo Ruta 40, from Villa Union to San Juan, which featured 200 kilometres of special timed stage, concluded to the joy of Paulo Gonalves and the entire Monster Energy Honda Team.
The squad romped to a final triumph in the race after five days of merciless Argentine desert. The Portuguese rider posted second on the final day, after 17:06:02 in the saddle, to claim the top step of the podium in what will go down as one of the toughest ever rallies.
The next race for Monster Energy Honda Team will be the Desafio Inca in September, held from 13th to 16th, which will take place in the Ica region of Peru.
Goncalves: "I am very happy with the victory here in Argentina. I came with the idea of continuing to improve my pace after a long time without racing and in the end we were able to win the rally. I think yesterday's stage was the key day.
"Today was a stretch with some navigation and I tried to use the advantage I had, but I think I managed to stay quite relaxed. I am happy for myself, and also for all my team-mates and for the guys who got injured, Kevin and Mathias Bellino we hope they can recover quickly.
"This victory is for them too. We will now try to improve the pace a bit to get the Dakar right. The race in general was tough, but that second day was too much. From the physical point of view it has been a great test for me. The rivals are very strong and that forced us to give our best to win."
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