Daniel Sanders: “Now it’s time to show the others that the hard work is paying off”
Dakar 2022 |
Stage 6 |
SHUBAYTAH
> SHUBAYTAH
January 7
th
2022
- 13:49
[GMT + 3]
Having set off to light up the stage once again today, Sanders is the only rider to regret the early finish to the special.
“We started off really well today. We had to ride on the course used by the cars and trucks yesterday. The track was already worn-in and we could see where we were going. There was a lot of open dirt and ground, so it was really easy to navigate through here. We got to the refuelling and a lot of riders complained about how rough it was and saying how dangerous it was with the rocks and stuff. For me, it was pretty easy and basic and I just rode at my own rhythm and was really comfortable with the terrain and the situation. I got unlucky and they cut the stage short, so I didn’t get to make up too much time, but my bike is handling the best ever and I’ve got to show everyone out there that this GasGas is on fire and is going to be strong for the next week. It’s true that we have a rest day and then on the next stage I’ll have to open it, I’m guessing. I got a little bit unlucky here because I didn’t get to make a big gap today. We’ll feel good after the rest day, I’m sure, reset and re-focused and I’ll go for it. For me, there was no problem with the terrain. We’ve done many races like this and Morocco was the same. Unfortunately, a lot of riders complained. They rang the officials and complained and complained, then they called it. I was ready to start and was all fired up. The riders knew what we were in for. We knew at the start of the day that it was going to be crazy. Unfortunately, some people got the upper hand on the situation and I got the short end of the stick. It was a little bit disappointing with the decision. I know I’m the fastest guy out there right now, so it’s really good to know this going into the last week, coming into this rocky terrain. I know the riders are struggling in here and this is where my bike is the best, so I’m really looking forward to the next week. My enduro background and developing this bike over the last year has really helped me in riding and in how comfortable I am. I’ve worked hard for it and now it’s time to show the others that the hard work is paying off”.
