Tag Archives: Brabec

Ricky Brabec Claims Victory As the Dakar 2024 Champion

It’s official. Brabec has gained it. He’s performed it twice now. He’s the Dakar 2024 Champion. After a grueling 12 levels, Ricky Brabec has secured yet one more championship since his total win in 2020. 

He commanded a snug lead stepping into the final stage. His consistency served him effectively all through the Rally. Starting from stage six, he discovered himself on the high of the leaderboards, although he hadn’t gained a stage at that time. Following that, it was constant efficiency after efficiency as Brabec pulled away from the remainder of the competitors. 

The Monster Energy Honda Team, with Brabec, was in a position to lock down the lead place. Going into the ultimate spherical, solely a mere end was wanted to get the highest spot. Hats off to Honda as effectively for securing two podium spots. The Hero Motosports Team discovered itself between two reds when the mud settled. 

Ricky Brabec, Ross Branch, Adrien Van Beveren - Dakar 2024

Ross Branch, Ricky Brabec, Adrien Van Beveren

Position Driver Team Time 
1st  (USA) RICKY BRABEC MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 51 hours half-hour 8 seconds 
2nd  (BWA) ROSS BRANCH HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY 51 hours 41 minutes 1 second
third (FRA) ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 51 hours 42 minutes 33 seconds

Brabec secured first place, and Ross Branch put up a valiant combat in opposition to and managed a second-place end. Adrien Van Beveren had a couple of minute and a half between Branch, solely tailing Branch by a couple of minute and a half. If you have a look at the splits, Brabec just about had this within the bag, with about 11 minutes (10 minutes and 53 seconds) separating him from Branch. 

During the first few rounds of the rally, Branch put out win after win with the general lead going to him by the start of stage six. Even if Branch claimed headlines at the beginning of the Rally, he was nonetheless in a position to produce an excellent end result amid competitors heating up in direction of the latter a part of the rally. Branch said after the ultimate stage: “The challenge is to better myself and come back stronger next year.” 

Ross Branch - Dakar 2024

Ross Branch

Adrien Van Beveren - Dakar 2024

Adrien Van Beveren

This additionally marks the second time that Brabec has gained the Dakar Rally. His first total win got here in 2020 and 4 years later, he will get to rejoice as soon as once more. 

Ricky Brabec, Monster Energy Honda Team, Stage 5 of the 2024 Dakar Rally

“It’s a nice way to start the year with a victory. It wasn’t easy. The course was really tough. The competition was tough. Ross and my own team kept me on my toes, but not just me, I think we were keeping everyone on each other’s toes. It was definitely a fight to the end for everyone. I’m really happy we’re all here and all safe and we can go home. Overall, it was a good rally. This time was a little bit different. I feel like this one was more earned. This time was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. It’s been tight. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard for me, but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.” 

RICKY BRABEC WINS THE 2024 DAKAR RALLY!

Ricky Brabec has received the 2024 Dakar Rally. He ran a strategically flawless race all through the 14 days and 12 phases to protect an 11-minute lead over Ross Branch. His solely stage win got here two days in the past, and that was adopted by a superb stage 11, the place he began in entrance and completed in entrance. On that stage, Ross Branch had the perfect adjusted time, which meant that Ricky solely needed to comply with Ross right this moment. Kevin Benavides had the quickest time on the ultimate day for his third stage win this yr. In the top, the rostrum was Brabec, Branch, Adrien Van Beveren and Benavides.

Ricky Brabec and the Monster Energy Honda Team through the Final Podium of the Dakar 2024 on January 19, 2024 in Yanbu, Saudi Arabia. ASO F. Gooden DPPI

Ricky Brabec: “This time was a little bit different. I feel like this one was more earned. This time was a lot tougher. In 2020, we had a big gap from the get-go. Here, I think me and Ross spent three days with a couple of seconds difference. It was a tight race for all of us. I think between first and third there are eleven minutes or something, whatever Adrien got, but it’s been a tight race and ten minutes is not a big gap here on the rally. It’s been tight. I had two good days, two opportunities to make a good push, but also stage 11 was a scare factor for me because I knew Ross was starting behind me, 18 minutes behind, and if he caught me it would be over. Stage 11 was hard for me, but I stayed focused, got to the finishing line and didn’t lose too much time, so I’m really happy with this and I’m really happy for the team. I’m happy for all of us, we did an excellent job all of the two weeks. I think number 9 will be my lucky number from now on.”

Hero Motorsport’s Ross Branch

Ross Branch: “Finally finished the Dakar!! It was a really tough Dakar 2024, and I’m so thrilled to be here! Finishing on the podium was always the goal, and today it’s a dream come true. I’m really over the moon to achieve this goal for Hero. And a big thank you to the team for developing a highly competitive machine, for the sleepless 3 weeks here, and for everything they’ve sacrificed to reach to this point. I’m really proud of my team. We’ve got some more work to do to be on the next step, so we’ll look forward to that in the next year. A big thank you to everyone for your continued support from all around the world!”

Kyle McCoy

Kyle McCoy: “That feeling!!! Finished the final stage today (which even then they didn’t let up on difficulty). I had an amazing journey and proud to be the 3rd American to finish Malle moto class for the Dakar Rally in the 44 year history. We started with 30 in our class of “Original by Motul” (Ironman), 20 completed and I got here in tenth (proper the place I belong mid-pack). But for me it was principally about getting down to end what I began final yr. This race is extremely tough, and the fellas on this group of 30 are extremely powerful and are available from all corners of the globe. They all have my utmost respect. I had some excessive highs and lows. Day 7 within the dunes when my mechanical concern practically introduced me to an finish was 30 min of my life I’ll always remember. I’m not naturally something approaching a mechanic however I’ve gained confidence in my talents all through the race. I lined virtually 5,000 miles and spent 18 days sleeping in a tent within the desert. There are a lifetime value of recollections on every particular person day. It’s tough to course of. This race requires excessive focus. It’s my type of meditation. I like the way it brings the world collectively. I spent probably the most time with my good buddy @dakar_stu and his band of South Africans welcomed me every single day. The machine I rode (KTM 450 Rally Factory Replica) is among the many most superb creations on planet earth I’m satisfied. There are 85 goal constructed for this occasion annually. If I had one car to decide on for the world’s most excessive terrain this is able to be it. I do know it inside out now. And she took nice care of me. Most vital of all I’m grateful @mccoy.kc places up with all my nonsense and understands me greater than anybody else. I feel I’ll go dwelling now and return to my desk jockey life. Thanks to everybody for the superb assist and messages.”

Jacob Argubright

Jacob Argubright: “A tough final stage of the 2024 Dakar for me. Busted the front fuel pump connector, leaked out all my gas from my front tanks then ran out using only my rear tank. I found some gas but I killed my trying to get it going so took a bit to get it bump started. I did finish the stage thoough, so that’s a plus. Definitely not how I wanted my second Dakar to go but that’s how it goes sometimes just need to learn from it on move forward. Regardless of how things went I still cherish the experience and am grateful for everyone’s help to get me here and love the sport of rally.”

STAGE 12
1. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING
2. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 01′ 00”
3. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 01′ 14” 00H 01′ 00”
4. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 01′ 25”
5. DIEGO GAMALIEL LLANOS, XRAIDS EXPERIENCE + 00H 03′ 14”
6. ROMAIN DUMONTIER, TEAM DUMONTIER RACING + 00H 03′ 23”
7. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 03′ 31”
8. MATHIEU DOVEZE, BAS WORLD KTM RACING TEAM+ 00H 03′ 36”
9. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY + 00H 04′ 02”
10. BRADLEY COX, BAS WORLD KTM RACING TEAM + 00H 04′ 19”
72. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 00H 50′ 03”
87. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 01H 01′ 16”
96. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 01H 10′ 19”

PROVISIONAL STANDINGS, 2024 DAKAR RALLY
1. RICKY BRABEC, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM 00H 01′ 00”
2. ROSS BRANCH, HERO MOTOSPORTS TEAM RALLY + 00H 10′ 53” 00H 01′ 00”
3. ADRIEN VAN BEVEREN, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 12′ 25”
4. KEVIN BENAVIDES, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 38′ 48”
5. TOBY PRICE, RED BULL KTM FACTORY RACING + 00H 45′ 28”
6. JOSE IGNACIO CORNEJO FLORIMO, MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM + 00H 46′ 38”
7. LUCIANO BENAVIDES, HUSQVARNA FACTORY RACING + 00H 53′ 31”
8. DANIEL SANDERS, RED BULL GASGAS FACTORY RACING + 01H 14′ 32”
9. STEFAN SVITKO, SLOVNAFT RALLY TEAM + 01H 56′ 28”
10. MARTIN MICHEK, ORION – MOTO RACING GROUP + 02H 48′ 49”
63. KYLE MC COY, AMERICAN RALLY ORIGINALS + 26H 39′ 26”
76. WESTON CARR, HT RALLY RAID HUSQVARNA RACING + 30H 32′ 38”
90. JACOB ARGUBRIGHT, DUUST RALLY TEAM + 55H 25′ 10”

2024 DAKAR RALLY, STAGE 11

Ricky Brabec took an enormous step towards successful his second Dakar Rally as we speak. He completed in second place, 32 seconds behind Ross Branch, his chief rival for the general victory tomorrow. He opened the path all day, which often places a rider in danger for navigation errors and big time losses, significantly on an extended, tough stage reminiscent of as we speak’s. Brabec stayed on monitor, although, and captured 5 min 45 secs in time bonuses. Overall, the hole between Brabec and Branch stays at over 10 minutes. Adrian Van Beveren is in third, some 14 minutes behind. Brabec will begin behind Branch on the ultimate stage tomorrow, permitting the American rider to comply with slightly than lead.

Stage 11 was a 420 km lengthy stretch by canyons and dry rivers, taking the opponents from AlUla to the ultimate bivouac in Yanbu. The terrain was principally rugged, with rocks and stones lining up your complete size of the particular. On the ultimate day of Dakar 2024, the race will take the opponents on a shorter 175 km lengthy particular, devoid of main difficulties.

Ross Branch: “It was a really cool stage today. I had a lot of fun right from the start until the finish. I really enjoyed myself out there – the bike was going amazing, and I made no mistakes today – which is quite important to stay calm in the race. The leader of the race has a significant lead over me, but I’m really happy with where I am at the moment, and I’m looking forward to the last day tomorrow.”

Ricky Brabec

Ricky Brabec: “It’s close. I opened the whole day by myself and I was expecting my team-mate Nacho to catch me, but unfortunately he had a little issue. Then I was waiting for my team-mate Adrien for him to grab some bonus time. I know Ross is pushing hard today and I don’t know what the results are so far from the stage, but I have a feeling that it’s going to be me, Adrien and Ross as the top 3 tomorrow. We’ll see what happens, but there’s still one stage to go. I would say it was my best ride of the rally. On the last 100 km, I went really slowly just to get here and wait for my team-mate, but I made no mistakes today. I put my head down and I got to the finish. The first goal on the Dakar is always to make it to the rest day. Obviously, you have to make it day by day, so the first goal is essentially to make it day by day, but after you make it through the first day, you say I want to make it through the second day and then you want to make it to the rest day. Once you make it to the rest day your next goal is to make it to the finish. If you finish the Dakar, that’s a win. It’s gnarly, the Dakar’s not easy, especially for the bikes because we’re up at three in the morning and we’re riding all morning, we’re riding all day and we’re getting back to the bivouac late. But finishing the Dakar is a win in my book and if you can win the Dakar it’s legendary. We’ll go back to the bivouac, we’ll talk to the team and we’ll push on for tomorrow.”

Jacob Argubright

Jacob Argubright: “Stage 11 was a fun one with lots of rocks and tough terrain. Pretty smooth day finishing P14 but with another penalty putting me back to P21. Guess it’s year of the penalty and mishaps for me but all great learning experiences. I’m healthy and ready for the final stage tomorrow!”

For prolonged protection of Dakar 2024, click here.

Provisional Rankings – Stage 11
1. Ross Branch, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, 04h 51m 57s
2. Ricky Brabec, Monster Energy Honda Team, + 0m 32s
3. Adrien Van Beveren, Monster Energy Honda Team, + 3m 17s
4. Luciano Benavides, Husqvarna Factory Racing, + 4m 38s
5. Toby Price, RedBull KTM Factory Racing, + 6m 31s
21. Jacob Argubright, DUUST Rally Team + 00H 34′ 14”
70. Kyle McCoy, American Rally Originals + 02H 38′ 14″
101 . Weston Carr, HT  Husqvarna + 03H 41′ 41”

Provisional Overall Rankings – on the finish of Stage 11
1. Ricky Brabec, Monster Energy Honda Team, 49h 37m 57s
2. Ross Branch, Hero MotoSports Team Rally, + 10m 22s
3. Adrien Van Beveren, Monster Energy Honda Team, + 14m 31s
4. Ignacio Cornejo, Monster Energy Honda Team, + 38m 44s
5. Kevin Benavides, RedBull KTM Factory Racing, + 41m 19s
65. Kyle McCoy, American Rally Originals + 25H 52′ 54”’
76. Weston Carr, HT  Husqvarna + 29H 34′ 53”
90. Jacob Argubright DUUST rally Team+ 54H 18′ 22”