Adrien Van Beveren: “I was able to fulfil my potential”

Dakar 2024 | Stage 6 | HAIL > AL DUWADIMI
January 12 ^th 2024 - 10:20 [GMT + 3]

The Monster Energy Honda team’s French rider has won the race’s queen stage in the Empty Quarter and is back in the reckoning for the title, less than ten minutes behind his team-mate Ricky Brabec.

“Yesterday, I pushed very hard and caught all my main rivals, but I soon saw that I didn’t have much fuel left, so I slowed down. I think everybody realised the same thing because nobody caught or overtook me either. There is an economy mode on our bikes, so I activated it and then made sure I rode in a fluid way to be careful how much fuel I was using, but I think the technique I learned whilst riding at Le Touquet spoke for itself. Physically, it was very tough, but I was able to fulfil my potential because it’s an area I work very hard on. I like to suffer a little bit, that’s what being a top-level sportsperson is all about. There’s a week left and I’ll have to put on a really solid performance. There is still everything to play for and the key is to remain sensible and focused. I’ll start the second week opening the way and it won’t be easy”.