GASGAS Factory Racing’s Daniel Sanders has claimed his third stage win at the Silk Way Rally, topping the time sheets on the fifth and final day of the event. With three stage victories to his credit, Daniel enjoyed more stage wins than any other competitor and ends the rally in a strong fourth overall, just 53 seconds from a spot on the podium. Enjoying racing in Russia, Sanders got more race miles under his belt on our GASGAS RC 450F as he continues to develop as a top-flight rally racer.
Daniel Sanders: “I pushed really hard today to try and get onto the overall podium, but it wasn’t quite enough. I left everything out there and did everything I could to make time up on the riders ahead, but it was a short stage and there wasn’t much to separate us all today. I learned a lot this week, I felt great on the bike, and I know I have the speed so it’s all positive. When we get home from here my main focus will be on improving my navigation as this is where I feel I’m lacking a little bit. But overall, a pretty decent week for me and the team.”
Matthias Walkner: “The final stage here was really nice to ride. It was the same as day two, but instead of making it rougher, it seems the cars and trucks prepared it quite well for us today. I really tried to push at the beginning, because I know the first part of the stage is good for me over the fast pistes. In the forest I thought I might have to ease off a little, but it rode better today, and I was able to push for the whole stage. It’s a shame the rally had to be shortened, but the organizers did a great job of giving us a full event to race. To win the famous tiger trophy here at the Silk Way feels amazing, and with my win here I’m now also leading the championship. I couldn’t have asked for a better result really.”
STORY: Daniel Sanders Joins GasGas Factory Racing (June 2021)
STORY: Matthias Walkner – Sieg bei der ‘Silk Way Rallye’ & WM-Führung (Juli 2021)
photos (c) RallyZone