As first-time Dakar participants, Monster Energy Honda HRC’s Martim Ventura and Preston Campbell have had no pressure beyond reaching the finish after two gruelling weeks of racing. Yet both riders have impressed: Ventura has claimed two stage wins, and Campbell had led the overall standings from stage four, a remarkable achievement for a rookie.
After losing his overall lead, Preston Campbell took a reflective approach yesterday, fully aware of the challenge ahead. On the 331 km special stage from Al Henakiyah to Yanbu today, he rode his Honda CRF450RX RALLY with confidence, powering through rocky sections before tackling the dunes. Another podium finish saw him in third place, five and a half minutes behind stage winner Michael Docherty. However, his main rival, Toni Mulec, finished nearly four minutes ahead, stretching the overall gap to 6’12”.
Martim Ventura, leading out the Rally2 riders following his second stage win yesterday, set off in search of another victory. Unfortunately, navigation tablet issues that had plagued him yesterday resurfaced, forcing him to wait for other riders to catch up so he could ride alongside them to the finish. Like yesterday, he did have his time adjusted and Ventura was pleased to complete another stage, crossing the line in second and he remains in contention for the final podium spot tomorrow.
After thirteen demanding days, both riders face one last 105 km against the clock. Though shorter, the stage will still be treacherous, featuring gravel tracks through mountains overlooking Yanbu before opening onto the sparkling Red Sea, where the Monster Energy Honda HRC riders will finally see the finish line.
Ruben Faria
General Manager
It was an important, good stage for us today. Martim had some problems with the road book tablet, it stopped working so he didn’t know if he’d passed the waypoints or not. Without a replacement he had to wait for other riders so he could ride as part of a group to the end of the stage and they reduced his time at the end so he ended up finishing in second. Preston did a good job again, bringing the bike to the finish in third place. This is the first time that both riders have come to the Dakar and it’s been an impressive showing from them. Preston is second overall, really close to first, so we’ll see if he can close the gap tomorrow. If he doesn’t, it’s still a great result for him.
Martim Ventura 84
Stage: 2nd Overall: 3rd
I’m happy to finish and be at the bivouac. The stage went really well until 240 km into it I had the same tablet issues as yesterday, so I had to stop and wait for the other riders behind me. I wanted to gain some time after refuelling but I couldn’t, so I had to go with them until the end because there was no point in changing the tablet. I’m happy with my performance and just one day to go, my first Dakar is almost finished.
Preston Campbell 85
Stage: 4th Overall: 2nd
The stage was good, I had a lot of fun on this one, I liked the speed of it in the rocks and then on the short dune sections and in the nice valleys. It was a really fun flow and I was happy with my ride today, everything went good. I’m super happy with my two weeks at the Dakar, I think it’s gone pretty well, lots of learning, lots of improvements and overall, super stoked to be able to be in the position I’m at and looking forward to more. The best thing I’ve learned is the days are long and anything can happen, at the next corner, the next note, something can completely change the race, for better or for worse. You’ve always got to stay positive and just push forward.
Souce: Monster Energy Honda HRC
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