The seventh stage of the Dakar Rally was a difficult one for Anja van Loon, Floor Maten and Marije van Ettekoven. The ladies finished 8th and finished in the dark. Thanks to the driving skills of Anja and the navigation skills of Floor and Marije, they gained time on the competition and were satisfied at the finish.
The teamwork of the three ladies paid off today. "This was really a team effort. So many stones again and many difficult sections, but I got through it well. The navigation was also really difficult at times, but Floor and Marije did that very well together. We complement and feel each other well and that really saved time today."
The ladies team did finish in the dark. "It was a very long stage and we started quite late, so there were only a few trucks at the finish in daylight. Then it gets even harder, but we didn't have any problems with that today. The 8th time is just a very good result, great!"
Yesterday Anja, Floor and Marije were still surprised by the organization. "On the rest day several medals were awarded, for the fastest bike and car so far and for a participant under 30. We received the medal for the best Dakar spirit, the 'dare' medal. We got it because we are three women in the Iveco and really stand our ground on the road. Very nice and we didn't expect that one."
Tomorrow the eighth stage is scheduled. This one goes from Al Duwadimi to Ha'il, the test is split into two sections of 165 and 114 kilometers. Along the way, the ladies will again encounter dunes, sand and stones.
Automatic translation of the Duch version
Source: Van Loon Racing's official press release
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