After enjoying a little down time on yesterday’s Dakar Rally rest day, Daniel Sanders was back in action today on stage seven and clocked in with the sixth-fastest time. Starting from fourth into the special, sixth is certainly a solid result with the Red Bull GASGAS Factory Racing star remaining seventh overall and positive of even better days ahead.
Feeling fresh after delivering an outstanding result on the chrono stage and making the most of the Dakar Rally rest day, Sanders certainly came out swinging on stage seven. Even though he didn’t have the most favorable starting position after placing fourth on Friday, Chucky dug deep to deliver another strong result. By relying on his roadbook early on then following the dust kicked up by the leading riders, Daniel would ultimately finish the 483-kilometer timed special as the sixth-fastest rider.
Daniel Sanders: "Yeah, another very long day today. It wasn’t too bad though, not too draining or anything, I just tried to stay with the leaders on stage really. Navigation was a little tricky early on, so focusing on the roadbook was really important. Then, near the end, I caught up to the guys in front but then had to ride in their dust a little bit. Overall, it was a good stage and I’ve got a heap of energy left for the last few days, so I’m looking forward to the days ahead."
Provisional Results: Dakar Rally 2024, stage 7
1. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 5:18:33
2. Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) 5:21:45
3. Kevin Benavides (KTM) 5:22:05
6. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 5:27:50
Overall Provisional Classification (after stage 7)
1. Ricky Brabec (Honda) 32:37:20
2. Ross Branch (Hero) 32:37:21
3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 32:44:08
7. Daniel Sanders (GASGAS) 33:15:01