Adrien van Beveren set the pace in the 48-hour stage of Dakar 2024. The Monster Energy Honda rider surpassed Toby Price (Red Bull KTM) by a clear 4m13s, and thus remains in the fight for the overall victory.
The Frenchman told the Dakar website that during the first part of this sixth stage, he had to be very careful with fuel consumption: ‘Yesterday I attacked very hard and caught up with all my opponents, but I immediately saw that I didn’t have much fuel, so I slowed down. I think everyone understood the same because no one caught up with me or passed me. There is an economical mode on our bikes, so I activated it and then made sure I rode smoothly to be careful with the amount of fuel I was using, but I believe the technique I learned when I was racing in Le Touquet speaks for itself‘.
The physical aspect was also a challenge, but van Beveren assured that he enjoys that same challenge: ‘Physically, it was very tough, but I was able to fulfill my full potential because it’s an area where I work very hard. I like to suffer a little, that’s what being a top athlete is all about‘.
At the end of the first week, the rider is in third place, 9m21s behind the top of the standings, emphasizing that he is still in the fight: ‘There is one more week to go and I will have to deliver a truly solid performance. Everything is still up for grabs and the key is to stay sensible and focused. I will start the second week leading the way and it won’t be easy‘.
