Monster Energy Yamaha Rally team riders struggle in Dakar Rally Stage 2

Michelle Liew

January 7, 2020

Stage 2 of the Dakar Rally was indeed a tough one for the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally team.

Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team | Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

Stage Two of the Dakar Rally has proved to be a challenging one for the Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team. Riders Xavier de Soultrait, Adrien Van Beveren, and Franco Caimi struggled with the 367-kilometer stage and completed their run in ninth, 13th and 14th positions respectively. Fourth member, Jamie, McCanney, came in 34th place without any issues. This is arguably the toughest navigation of the 12-day event.

Stage Three of the 2020 Dakar Rally will be a loop stage from Neom to Neom. It will feature a 427km timed special.

Xavier de Soultrait (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“I had a lot of dust during the first 150-160 kilometers, so it was a balance between riding safely and also trying to overtake. Finally, when I managed to get ahead I could increase my speed and things went well. My goal is to be around the top 10 for the first four days or so, so things are ok for me. It looks like tomorrow the navigation will be a little easier, we will see. Everything is good with my bike, so I just hope I can have a clear day tomorrow with not too much dust,” says de Soultrait as quoted from Yamaha Racing.

Adrien van Beveren (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“It was a tough day for me, but importantly everything is good with my bike and ready for tomorrow. I really tried to focus on my navigation and do everything perfectly. We knew that today would be one of the hardest stages. But I lost some time and it looks like I was maybe too focused on navigation and needed to push harder, ride faster. Still, a long way to go, but I need to find a good rhythm and balance between navigation and riding faster.”

Franco Caimi (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“It’s been a difficult stage for me. I was riding in a lot of dust at the start but managed to get ahead and push to do a good stage up to the refueling. I think I was fifth or sixth, so I was very pleased. Then I had an issue with my road book. So I had to ride around 130 km with one hand, winding and following the roadbook manually. I lost a lot of time. It’s disappointing after a really good start to the stage, but it’s fixed now so I hope for a good stage three tomorrow.”

Jamie McCanney (Monster Energy Yamaha Rally Team)- As It Happened

Photo credits: Yamaha Racing

“It’s been another good day of learning for me. Starting two riders every 30 seconds means I was in dust for so much of the stage. I just took things steady and concentrated on my navigation, making sure I hit all of my markers and did everything correctly. During the second half of the stage, I tagged on to some of the riders that came passed me. I pushed on a little more, keeping an eye on navigation but being as focused as I was at the start. It was a good steady pace. The day wasn’t too physical. Despite the dust I enjoyed it and importantly gained more experience and learned more.”