The legendary Dakar Rally began on Saturday, January 6, and Monaco’s three riders have got off to a roaring start.
Adrien Maré, Charles Cuypers and Nicolas Brabeck had attacked the Dakar with a pre-event stage between Lima and Pisco in Peru. The Rally itself will last two weeks and end on Saturday, January 20.
Adrien Maré, the first Monegasque to compete on a motorbike in Dakar, has given the impression of being on vacation, very relaxed and focused. He started the Rally ranked number 36.
Charles Cuypers is taking time to adapt to the fact that the dunes in Peru are not the same as in Africa. He had a small wipe-out and suffered a slight navigation error but is ready for the remainder the race.
Nicolas Brabeck missed a way point, which will cost him penalties, the Monaco team management said. “This is probably due to euphoria but he is very well prepared.”
The Rally started in the midst of windy conditions and a great deal of swirling sand.