A section of wet, sandy desert tracks proved to be an additional hazard on the opening stage of the 2022 Dakar Rally, along with the usual demanding sand dunes, fast, rough tracks, and challenging navigation. Undoubtedly a seriously demanding opening stage, all three Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team riders completed the special unscathed and ready to take on stage two.
Demonstrating exceptional riding skills and navigation throughout the opening 334-kilometre special stage, Adrien Van Beveren made a highly positive start to his Dakar campaign by completing the special as the fourth fastest rider. As the 10th rider to enter the stage, the Frenchman used his impressive pace and roadbook skills to advance up the time sheets, moving to the front and ultimately leading the riders across the day’s finish line.
Ross Branch, much like his teammate Adrien, also moved forwards during the stage to join the leading group of riders before a small crash slowed his progress. Remounting quickly and chasing down the leaders once again, a minor navigational error then cost the Botswana native a couple of minutes. Completing the special as the eighth fastest rider, Ross showed good speed and is now focused on making up lost time tomorrow on stage two.
Opening the special and thoroughly enjoying riding on rain soaked sand dunes, Andrew Short put his motocross skills to effective use across the sandy terrain that formed a large part of the stage. Frustratingly, as the 334-kilometre special neared its conclusion, the American couldn’t locate a problematic waypoint and lost considerable time. With a long way to go in the race, as well as enjoying a highly advantageous starting position for tomorrow’s stage two, Andrew will be doing everything in his power to show what he’s truly capable of.
Competing in the Light Prototype class as part of the Yamaha Powered by X-Raid Team racing in Yamaha YXZ1000R Prototypes, Italian Camelia Liparoti got her 2022 Dakar Rally campaign off to a positive start by completing the technical special just outside the top-10 in 12th place.
