Yamaha rider successfully completed the 48H Crono stage
António Maio has entered the coveted top 20 in the motorcycle standings of the 2024 Dakar Rally after completing the most feared stage of this edition of the race, the 48-hour journey around Shubaytah, comprising 626 timed kilometers.
It was a very intense two days spent mostly in the dunes of the Empty Quarter, the largest desert in the world, which proved to be very demanding for the machines and drivers. António Maio set a very consistent pace and managed to finish the sixth stage in 20th place, spending 9h09m39s completing the course. The Yamaha rider was always among the fastest riders in the race, managing to use his fuel very well throughout the course, and is now in 20th place in the overall standings, with a comfortable lead of around 30 minutes over the 21st-placed rider.
"Yesterday and today were about managing the dunes. I had to manage the fuel as much as possible every kilometer and I had to make a huge effort to get to the end. I knew the stage was going to be tough, but it was a shame because I couldn't attack. However, I also have to admit that it was a positive point because I saved the bike. I'm glad we're here. The special was very complicated, so I'm very happy to have finished. We're flying back to Riyadh today and tomorrow we'll have a rest day. Thank you to everyone who has been following me," said António Maio at the end of the 48-hour special.
The motorcycle and quad riders will fly back to Riyadh today, where they will enjoy a well-deserved rest day tomorrow. This day will give the teams the opportunity to carry out more in-depth maintenance on their vehicles and the riders can enjoy a relaxing day before the final week of competition.
Automatic translation of the Portuguese version available on www.todoterreno.pt
Source Antonio Maio's official press release
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