Price ready to pounce in 2023 Dakar Rally
The Aussie is now within striking distance of the leader with three stages remainingAs a battle-hardened veteran and two-time winner of the Dakar Rally, Aussie champion Toby Price knows the epic is won and lost in week two – especially the 2023 instalment, which is the longest route since 2014.
With 11 of the 14 stages in the 2023 Dakar Rally now completed, Price (KTM) has positioned himself beautifully to win his third event, now sitting just 28 seconds behind long-time leader Skyler Howes (Husqvarna).
Stage 11, held on January 12, saw Price finish third behind Argentine Luciano Benavides (Husqvarna) – the second rider to win multiple stages in 2023 – and compatriot Daniel Sanders (GasGas), with Howes and Pablo Quintanilla (Honda) completing the top five.
Price was only able to trim Howes’ lead by 13 seconds, but the Aussie still looms large behind the consistent American, who is competing in his fifth Dakar Rally.
“I think the stage (11) went well for me today,” said Price. “Starting back a little bit definitely helped. I did make a little mistake early on… but was able to correct it quickly and carry on.
“I just took it quite steady – pushed where it was safe to do so and then eased off a bit to make sure I didn’t make any mistakes. I’ll be third away for tomorrow (stage 12), which isn’t too bad, so I’ll keep on fighting and see where we end up.
“I’m feeling in good shape and the bike is perfect, so no issues there.”
Related:
2023 Dakar Rally update: Price fourth, Sanders seventh
GasGas RX450F rally replica revealed
Sam Sunderland wins 2022 Dakar Rally for GasGas
Unless there’s a major change in the balance of power, Howes, Price and Kevin Benavides (KTM) remain the major contenders for outright victory, with the latter nearly three minutes behind Howes. Fourth-placed Quintanilla is then a further 12 minutes behind in fourth. Sanders is seventh, 21 minutes and 40 seconds behind Howes.
Over the final three days there will be a total of 475km of timed sections. The final stage will be held on Sunday, January 15.
A total of 97 motorcycle riders remain in the race, with 41 riders having withdrawn including last year’s winner Sam Sunderland (KTM), who was a stage one casualty.
For full results and standings, click here.
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