Yamaha rider moved up another position in the overall standings
António Maio gained another position in the overall standings at the 2024 Dakar Rally by finishing in 25th place on the fifth stage of the race, which linked Al-Hofuf and Shubaytah, allowing him to climb to 24th place in the overall standings.
The Yamaha rider finished the 118km timed special, entirely in the dunes of the famous Rub' al-Khālī (Empty Quarter), in 1h43m10s without any major problems. The GNR major is approaching the coveted top 20 in the motorcycle category at a time when only five of the 12 stages that make up this Dakar Rally 2024 have been completed.
"Today was a long day. We left very early for a journey of over 500 km and it was very cold. However, it was a positive stage where I had no problems and didn't fall. The navigation was a little more complex as the day was spent in the dunes of the Empty Quarter, which makes our job very complicated because we have few references on the horizon to guide us. In general, everything is going very well. I'm in good shape and Bruno continues to work very well on the bike, so I think the balance so far is very positive. Tomorrow we'll have a new challenge: the 48-hour stage in which we'll be alone in the desert and cut off from the world. Let's see how it goes," said António Maio.
Tomorrow sees the sixth stage of the 2024 Dakar Rally, which includes a selective sector of 584 timed kilometers. This day will be marked by an innovative challenge established in this edition of the race. In the 48H Crono challenge, each competitor will have to stop at 4pm and camp in one of the six rest areas that dot the route of the special. On arrival, the drivers will receive basic camping equipment and enough provisions to spend the night in the desert completely cut off from the world.
Automatic translation of the Portuguese version available on www.todoterreno.pt
Source: Antonio Maio's official press release
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