It’s known the world over as being the toughest off-road motorcycle race there is, and today the Dakar Rally showed exactly why the iconic event is feared and revered in equal measure. Turning up the intensity, stage five pushed Laia Sanz, and all motorcycle class competitors, harder than on any other day to date. Rising to the challenge, completing the arduous 456-kilometer special stage and once again successfully ticking off another stage finish, Laia brought her GASGAS RC 450F home in 26th position and holds 27th overall, with just one day to go ahead of the mid-event rest day.
Stage five provided a physical and technical challenge in equal measure. The early going favored Laia Sanz, with the slower speeds and rocky terrain allowing her to put her navigational skills to the test and, quickly overcoming an early mistake, make an impression on the riders ahead. Passing the first waypoint in 18th after taking to the stage in 27th, Sanz then once again opted for a ‘no risk’ strategy, completing the remainder of the stage without problems she moves one step closer to the mid-way point of the race.
Laia Sanz: “Wow, that was a tough day today! I made a mistake with my navigation early on but then it seems like everyone else made the same mistake. Because of this I guess my day wasn’t too bad. After that it was a fun stage with tricky navigation, so I was able to make up some time before the halfway point. I then kept my focus on maintaining a good rhythm but towards the end it was very tiring. My preparation for this year wasn’t the best, but I’m pleased that I’m still pushing at a good pace. Overall, I’m happy and looking forward to tomorrow and then the rest day.” (source: gasgas)
STORY: Laia Sanz Enjoys 11th Consecutive Dakar Rally Finish (January 2021)
STORY: Toby Price Leads Dakar Rally At Halfway Stage (January 2021)
STORY: Daniel Sanders Claims Third On Dakar Stage Four (January 2021)
STORY: Laia Sanz Set To Take On Dakar 2021 (December 2020)
photos (c) Rally Zone