Ricky Brabec arrives at the rest day leader of the 2020 Dakar after claiming a second stage win. Barreda and Cornejo in the top five

Ricky Brabec continues his Dakar 2020 crusade with another stage triumph, the second of this edition, consolidating his leadership as the new Dakar – held in Saudi Arabia – arrives at its rest day in the capital Riyadh.

It was all smiles from Ricky Brabec as he rode into Riyadh after the longest pre-rest day special of the 2020 Dakar Rally. The rider will be able to rest and recuperate before heading back out aboard the Honda CRF450 RALLY to defend his overall leadership in the second and final week of the competition. The American Monster Energy Honda Team rider bagged the win in the sixth stage, for a second victory in the event, strengthening his position at the head of the general rankings with a twenty plus-minute advantage over the nearest second place rival.

The stage started from Ha’il bound for Riyadh, with 478 kilometres of special stage against the clock out of a total distance of 830 kilometres, which gave competitors the ideal opportunity to unleash their machines on the open Saudi desert. The final day of the first week of racing saw riders face arduous navigation, off-piste and copious amounts of sand and dunes.

Joan Barreda, likewise, turned out a fine showing in the special, looking more at ease on the bike, on terrain which is increasing to the Spaniard’s liking. Today’s second position on the day reaffirms Barreda’s place among the contenders for a finish among the prize-winners and now occupies fifth place in the overall standings.

Chilean rider José Ignacio Cornejo rode a prudent, steady stage to post sixth. Cornejo, moves up one place on the overall leader board to fourth and will be poised to continue his brilliant run as the Dakar Rally enters its second week.

Kevin Benavides was once again in the chase to win the stage when his motorcycle suffered a mishap, causing him to drop time. He was, nevertheless, able to complete the special, and despite his late arrival at the bivouac, Kevin will be back on the start-line the day after tomorrow. While, the team will work tomorrow, at the bivouac in Riyadh, to ascertain the exact cause of the issue.

This is the…  Rest Day

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After 2374 kilometres of timed specials, the well-deserved rest arrives for the warriors of the track. Tomorrow Saturday, participants will enjoy a few more hours sleep and massage to be back in shape for the second week of the race.

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