Published April 1, 2019 by Michael Le Pard , Editor‑in‑Chief
Successfully completing the short, opening prologue on day one of the 2019 Merzouga Rally in Morocco, Adrien Van Beveren recorded the fourth fastest time to head into today’s first full stage of competition in confident spirits and looking forward to the event’s expected navigational challenges that lie ahead.
At little more than two minutes in length, the Merzouga Rally prologue gave riders the chance to turn their wheels in anger for the first time in what is the 10th running of the event. With less than 10 seconds separating the fastest eight riders, completing the stage without mistakes was the primary objective. In doing that, and posting the fourth fastest time, Van Beveren will begin the event’s first full stage on his WR450F Rally machine, well positioned to challenge for the stage win.
Competing in his first ever rally event aboard a Dragon Rally Team prepared WR450F Rally machine, Jamie McCanney posted the third fastest prologue time. Just four seconds behind winner Michael Metge, McCanney now enters the Merzouga Rally focused only on experiencing his first international rally event and learning as much as he can during his time competing in Morocco.
Merzouga Rally 2019
Prologue Provisional Classification
1. Michael Metge (FRA), Sherco, 2:16
2. Stefan Svitko (SVK), KTM, 2:20 +0:04
3. Jamie McCanney (GBR), Yamaha, 2:20 +0:04
4. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 2:21 +0:05
5. Joaquim Rodrigues (PRT), Hero, 2:21 +0:05
6. Ross Branch (BWA), KTM, 2:22 +0:06
Race Schedule – Merzouga Rally 2019
Prologue / March 31 / Erfoud
Stage 1 / April 1 / Erfoud to Erfoud
Stage 2 / April 2 / Erfoud to Erfoud
Stage 3 / April 3 / Erfoud to Marathon Bivouac
Stage 4 / April 4 / Marathon Bivouac to Erfoud
Stage 5 / April 5 / Extreme GP
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Adrien Van Beveren
Yamalube Yamaha Official Team rider