Comprising a short, two-day schedule and covering a total distance of 692kms, the first Hail Baja provided plenty of positive training for Adrien. Welcoming the challenge that lay ahead, and very much using the event to further familiarise himself with true desert terrain, he was the first rider to set off into the sand dunes surrounding Radifah on the opening stage. Relying solely on his roadbook skills, Adrien confidently tackled the tricky navigation and with his pre-race training clearly paying dividends, the Frenchman delivered a mistake-free ride to claim the stage win.
Heading into the desert surrounding the city of Jubbah for day two, the 29-year-old initially navigated his way through a number of rocky sections before safely reaching the day’s sand dunes that formed a large part of the 347km stage. Going on to cross the finish line with a comfortable advantage, he secured the event’s overall victory and rounded out two days of enjoyable and constructive racing in style.
Confident with both his riding and the set-up of his Yamaha WR450F Rally, Van Beveren is now looking ahead to December 15 and the second leg of the Hail Rally. With a similar race format on offer, it will be his final competitive outing in desert conditions ahead of the Dakar Rally in January.
