Putting in yet another solid stage performance today in Peru, Yamalube Yamaha Rally team rider Adrien Van Beveren has managed to move up three spots in the provisional overall standings. Currently holding the runner-up spot in the overall standings, the WR450F Rally mounted racer is less than eight minutes behind the provisional race leader with just three more stages to go.
With Monday’s stage seven being one of the most demanding of this year’s Dakar, Adrien Van Beveren made full use of his acute navigational skills in the dunes of Peru. The first rider to find the right tracks in one of the most crucial sections of the special stage, Adrien gained time to his rivals. Earning a strong fourth place result for the day, he added yet another top five stage performance to his 2019 Dakar Rally campaign.
Catching up with the leading group inside the special stage, Xavier de Soultrait earned a seventh-place result on today’s stage seven. Picking up a small one-minute penalty for exceeding the limit in a 30 km/h speed zone, Xavier is now 10th in the provisional overall standings. The Frenchman now his eyes set on moving higher up in the overall rankings during the remaining three days of the Dakar.
Tuesday’s stage eight will feature a mass start, with the highest placed motorcycle, car and truck racers starting together. With Adrien in the first wave of riders to start the 360km timed special, Xavier will look to take advantage of his starting position from the second wave. The stage will lead competitors to the penultimate bivouac in Pisco.
Xavier de Soultrait – Yamalube Yamaha Rally rider
7th Stage 7 / 10th Overall
“It was a much better day for me and my speed was on point today. I was fast while also riding safely and not taking any big risks. I caught up with the leading group of riders in the special and decided to attack. Unfortunately, then I started feeling the effects of my sea sickness and was unable to give 100%. I took some more pills and I feel better now. Tomorrow we will have a different stage, with bikes, cars and trucks starting together in large groups. The stage will again be in the dunes so navigation will be the crucial factor.”
Dakar Rally 2019
Stage 7 Provisional Classification
1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 03:51:41
2. Ignacio Cornejo (CHL), Honda, 03:53:32, +01:51
3. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 03:58:11, +06:30
4. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 04:01:21, +09:40
5. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 04:03:00, +11:19
6. Andrew Short (USA), Husqvarna, 04:03:10, +11:29
7. Xavier de Soultrait (FRA), Yamaha, 04:03:53, +12:12
Dakar Rally 2019
Provisional Overall Classification [After Stage 7]
1. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 24:48:02
2. Adrien Van Beveren (FRA), Yamaha, 24:55:49, +07:47
3. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 24:56:30, +08:28
4. Sam Sunderland (GBR), KTM, 24:58:00, +09:58
5. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Husqvarna, 24:58:01, +09:59
6. Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 25:04:17, +16:15
…
10. Xavier de Soultrait (FRA), Yamaha, 25:28:10, +40:08
Dakar Rally 2019
Race Schedule
Stage 1 | Jan 7 | Lima to Pisco | SS: 84km | Total: 331km
Stage 2 | Jan 8 | Pisco to San Juan de Marcona | SS: 342km | Total: 554km
Stage 3 | Jan 9 | San Juan de Marcona to Arequipa | SS: 331km | Total: 779km
Stage 4 | Jan 10 | Arequipa to Moquegua | SS: 352km | Total: 511km
Stage 5 | Jan 11 | Moquegua to Arequipa | SS: 345km | Total: 776km
Rest Day | Jan 12 | Arequipa
Stage 6 | Jan 13 | Arequipa to San Juan de Marcona | SS: 317km | Total: 839km
Stage 7 | Jan 14 | San Juan de Marcona to San Juan de Marcona | SS: 323km | Total: 387km
Stage 8 | Jan 15 | San Juan de Marcona to Pisco | SS: 361km | Total: 576km
Stage 9 | Jan 16 | Pisco to Pisco | SS: 313km | Total: 410km
Stage 10 | Jan 17 | Pisco to Lima | SS: 112km | Total: 358km
Adrien Van Beveren – Yamalube Yamaha Rally rider
4th Stage 7 / 2nd Overall