This Monday, Ricky Brabec finished second in the third stage of the Dakar. Despite setting the fourth fastest time, he benefited from the penalty of two riders ahead of him and finished 1m11s behind the winner, Kevin Benavides (Red Bull KTM).
The American from Monster Energy Honda, who also received a one-minute penalty, is third in the overall standings, 5m08s behind the leader – Ross Branch (Hero MotoSports).
Brabec admitted to the official race website that the initial phase of the stage was particularly challenging, but he was satisfied with his performance: ‘Today was difficult. This morning was too complicated. I definitely wasn’t prepared for what we were given this morning. After the first 40km, I started to find my rhythm and I’m really happy about that. It’s a bit annoying that the morning started like this, but it’s only the third day. I’m happy to be 100 percent healthy and ready to start the fourth stage‘.
The rider also praised the collective work of Monster Energy Honda: ‘The team is doing a really good job; it’s amazing. For now, I will rest, prepare for the fourth stage, and we will fight until the end‘.
