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Dakar 2024: Despite setbacks António Maio holds on to position
Yamaha rider overcame difficulties on a very demanding day
António Maio has already finished the 11th and penultimate stage of the Dakar Rally 2024, a difficult and dangerous day characterized by rocky tracks that required riders to drive with caution and redouble their concentration. The Yamaha rider finished the 420km stage between Alula and Yanbu in 5h42m31s, which allowed him to finish in 27th place.
The GNR major had to face some setbacks throughout this demanding journey, but always managed to overcome all obstacles with the tenacity and resilience that is peculiar to him. With one stage to go in the 46th Dakar Rally, António Maio remains in an excellent 18th place in the overall standings, and is still 12th in the Rally GP Ranking.
"It was a really tough stage. I got off to a good start, but I picked up some dust which limited my progress a little. After refueling I had a little fall and bent my steering wheel on the rocks, but despite the setback I managed to keep a steady pace throughout the stage. With just 10 km to go, I missed a waypoint and had to turn back. I entered an area where the GPS detected a speed zone and so I did three kilometers at 30km/h, losing a lot of time. Mistakes are costly here. However, what matters is that we're fine and we're going into the last stage. In the Dakar, every kilometer counts and anything can happen. We'll stay focused and concentrated to get to the end," said António Maio at the camp in Yanbu.
The final stage of the 46th edition of the Dakar rally takes place tomorrow. It will take place around Yanbu and will have a total length of 328km. The special won't be difficult, but the last 144 km will not be comfortable because they could decide the race.
Automatic translation of the Portuguese version available on www.todoterreno.pt
Source: Antonio Maio's official press release
Helder