GasGas Factory Racing’s Laia Sanz performs well in Stage Four

Michelle Liew

January 9, 2020

Laia Sanz bounces back to achieve improved results in Stage 4 of the Dakar Rally.

Laia Sanz | Photo credits: GasGas Factory Racing

GasGas Factory Racing’s Laia Sanz had a stellar run in the 2020 Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia as she claimed a strong 25th place finish at the fourth stage from Neom to Al Ula. The stage has a distance of 672 kilometers. Sanz started off at 35th position this morning and surpassed a great number of riders to finish 25th. She ended her run aboard her GasGas RC 450F with a strong pace. Laia Sanz is now 24th in the provisional overall classification.

After two difficult days struggling with the dust-filled tracks, Sanz was finally able to find her rhythm and secure the momentum. The stage was fairly challenging but she maneuvered her way through the tricky ends. She remains as the leading female motorcycle competitor.

Stage five of the 2020 Dakar Rally will take place east from Al Ula to Ha’il. It will be a total of 564 kilometers. The 353-kilometer special will likely be less technical than the earlier stages. Riders will expect more of sandy hills and large rocks.

Laia Sanz (GasGas Factory Racing)- As It Happened

Photo credits: GasGas Factory Racing

“It was a long day, a tough day, but I am a lot happier compared to the last two days. From my starting position I improved some places, which is good, and I did enjoy some of the stages. Like I said it was tough again, with some tricky navigation during the technical section towards the finish. I was in some dust at the start, but I was able to pass some riders, which allowed me to find my rhythm and ride at a speed I was comfortable at. There were more stones than I ever thought possible, but the technical sections were good for me. A good day overall” says Sanz as quoted from GasGas Factory Racing.