GONCALVES Paulo PRT 05/02/1979 168 cm 74 kg

Vehicle

MODEL	MAKE
CRF 450 X	HONDA

RANKING

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Scratch	15	19	24	15	11	16	16	11	9	12	-	12	14	17
Stage	15	19	24	15	11	16	14	11	9	11	-	12	14	17	-	-
Overall	15	18	18	13	12	13	13	13	11	10	-	10	10	10	-	-

Paulo Goncalves : «A top 10 finish»

In only two Dakar participations, young Paulo Goncalves has proven to be one of the most promising riders in the rally. During the two editions, which kicked off in Lisbon, he demonstrated qualities that bode for a brilliant future. He made the best of the Portuguese starting point in 2006 to make his dream of participating in the rally come true. For quite a long time, Paulo who is originally from Esposende studiously followed what was going on in rally-raid. He competed in motocross, supercross and enduro…but even with his burning desire, the necessary budget, like with nearly all amateur riders, was the first hurdle to overcome. Paulo thus had to wait. But when he learned the Dakar would start in Lisbon, he jumped at the occasion and found his sponsors. On his first major African rally, the Portuguese rider finished a fine 25th overall, despite a crash that cost him a full 11 hours in the standings. On that rally he got the chance to discover Africa’s magic and felt the perverse temptation to slow down and immerse himself in the wild and untouched scenery.

But the motocross racer remains a competitor. He proved that the following year, taking four stages wins in the 450cc category and was as high as 2nd overall at half-distance. A chain broke During a marathon stage, which costs him valuable time. Young Paulo went on to finish the rally 23rd overall.

Paulo has raised his ambition for this year: “I am aiming for a top ten finish overall and in the top three in the 450cc category.” After is 5th place result on the 2008 Pax Rally, his declaration is being taken very seriously, indeed.

Dakar start photos on line: www.maindruphoto.com

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