DAKAR 2021 STAGE 7 – BRABEC SCORES FIRST WIN

Dakar 2021 Stage 7 – Brabec had sat outside the top 10 in the general classification since Stage 3 and drifted as far as 25:09s off the pace, but the 2020 champion now has his first stage win of the current rally in the bag.

Stage 7 of the Dakar 2021 is the first part of the “Marathon”, without assistance at the night bivouac. Toby Price and Ricky Brabec alternate in the lead, but at the end Kevin Benavides makes fun of both of them and goes on to take his second victory in this edition of the race.

Let’s start once again! After the rest day the riders leave for stage 7 of the Dakar 2021, 737 km that will take them from Ha’il to Sakak. In between 453 km of special stage (48% hard earth, 41% sand and 11% dunes). Rocky plateaus and winding slopes are among the challenges of the day. Competitors must remain focused to avoid gross errors that could lead to mechanical failure. Today, in fact, is a Marathon stage, therefore without assistance at the night bivouac.

STANDINGS AFTER STAGE 7

Joan Barreda, Ross Branch and Daniel Sanders are the first to leave for today’s special. A Honda, a Yamaha and a KTM … A sensational challenge is expected! Toby Price, who started seventh, and Kevin Benavides, who turned 31 yesterday, are riders to watch out for. But Ross Branch is the first to have problems: a fall around km 30 forces him to stop to repair his bike. More than 40 ‘the time left on the road. A hard blow for the one who was the best Yamaha rider in the overall standings!

After 100 km at the head of the race we find Toby Price, with a lead of 1’34 ”over Ricky Brabec and 2 ‘over Kevin Benavides. Fourth place for rookie Daniel Sanders at 2’04 ‘, followed by Xavier De Soultrait at 2’49’ and Adrien Van Beveren, another 10 ”behind. In difficulty with the navigation Barreda, which already loses more than 8 ‘.

Toby Price still holds the lead at km 242. The Australian manages to repel his pursuers, but his margin has decreased to 18 “over Ricky Brabec and 58” Kevin Benavides. Xavier De Soultrait also approaches at 1’36 ”. And it is right Ricky Brabec che al km 279 supera Toby Price! The American is now in the lead with a 31 “lead over the Australian and almost 1’30” over Kevin Benavides. Xavier De Soultrait remains in fourth place, less than 2 ‘late.

Less than 100 km from the finish, however, Kevin Benavides takes the reins of the race. The Argentine, with a fractured nose after Thursday’s crash, takes the provisional command of the race away from teammate Ricky Brabec, who is now 40 ”behind him. Toby Price is now almost 1’30 “behind, Xavier De Soultrait remains within shooting distance at 1’35”. But here is yet another twist in this Dakar: Kevin Benavides passes from the fight for the stage victory to over 10 ‘late, when there are about 50 kilometers to go. Ricky Brabec is back at the head of the race, Xavier De Soultrait takes advantage of the situation to climb to second place, while Toby Price is just under 4 ‘behind the leader.

And it is the winner of the prologue Ricky Brabec, who did not get on the podium from his second place in stage 2, to win today’s stage. The reigning champion leads Cornejo by 2’07 “and Skyler Howes by 2’19”. Sam Sunderland is fourth, just under three minutes.

Thanks to today’s second place Cornejo conquers the leadership of the general classification, with an advantage of just one second over Toby Price. Third place for Sam Sunderland, at 2’11 ”.

On the following pages you will find how the Azzurri did in the race, the complete standings of the stage and the general one, some info on the next race days and useful information and timetables to follow the Dakar 2021 on TV.

dakar 2021 stage 7 – brabec scores first win dakar 2021 stage 7 – brabec scores first win

RESULTS OF THE FIRST WEEK OF THE DAKAR RALLY 2021 IN SAUDI ARABIA

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