AUSSIES BATTLE THE DAKAR RALLY

In the midst of the Dakar Rally 2024, Australians Toby Price and Daniel Sanders are displaying tenacity against the difficult terrain. Red Bull KTM Factory Racing’s Toby Price, after a solid eighth-place finish in the gruelling 873-kilometer stage seven, is holding steady in sixth place overall. Price faced difficulties leading the stage due to tricky navigation, but with five stages left, he remains optimistic about making up ground.
“I’m feeling good and the bike is great, we’re just not quite where we need to be at the moment. There is still five, long stages to go though, so I’ll keep on pushing and aim to make up time on the boys ahead.” – Toby Price

Meanwhile, Daniel Sanders, riding for Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing, impressed with the sixth-fastest time on stage seven. Currently occupying the seventh position overall, Sanders is upbeat about better days ahead after leveraging his exceptional navigation skills and energy management in the race.

“Yeah, another very long day today. It wasn’t too bad though, not too draining or anything, I just tried to stay with the leaders on stage really. Navigation was a little tricky early on, so focusing on the roadbook was really important. Then, near the end, I caught up to the guys in front but then had to ride in their dust a little bit. Overall, it was a good stage and I’ve got a heap of energy left for the last few days, so I’m looking forward to the days ahead.” – Daniel Sanders

The overall provisional classification after stage eight sees Ricky Brabec leading from Ross Branch and Jose Ignacia Cornejo Florimo in third place. The competition remains fierce, and with half of the rally completed, both Australian riders aim to push harder in the coming stages, showcasing the resilience and determination that define the spirit of the Dakar Rally.

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1	9	(USA) RICKY BRABEC	MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM	32H 37′ 20”		00H 01′ 00”
2	46	(BWA) ROSS BRANCH	HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY	32H 37′ 21”	+ 00H 00′ 01”	00H 01′ 00”
3	11	(CHL) JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO	MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM	32H 44′ 08”	+ 00H 06′ 48”	00H 06′ 00”
4	42	(FRA) ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN	MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM	32H 51′ 59”	+ 00H 14′ 39”
5	47	(ARG) KEVIN BENAVIDES	RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING	33H 01′ 59”	+ 00H 24′ 39”	00H 03′ 00”
6	2	(AUS) TOBY PRICE	RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING	33H 08′ 20”	+ 00H 31′ 00”
7	5	(AUS) DANIEL SANDERS	RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING	33H 15′ 01”	+ 00H 37′ 41”
8	1	(ARG) LUCIANO BENAVIDES	HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING	33H 20′ 32”	+ 00H 43′ 12”	00H 15′ 00”
9	142	(SVK) STEFAN SVITKO	SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM	33H 47′ 53”	+ 01H 10′ 33”
10	23	(CZE) MARTIN MICHEK	ORION – MOTO RACING GROUP	34H 20′ 41”	+ 01H 43′ 21”	00H 01′ 00”