Although temperatures in the Liwa Desert weren’t quite what they were during the earlier stages of this second round of the FIM Rally-Raid World Championship, the mixture of rocky pistes and giant, rolling dunes still put up a massive challenge for all competitors on today’s 243-kilometre timed special.
Coming into his own and finding a solid rhythm as the rally progresses, Toby Price has been quietly moving up through the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge ranks.
Placing as runner-up on the event’s penultimate stage has elevated the experienced Aussie to third place in the provisional rally standings – less than two minutes behind the leader. Although Price will start near the front on Thursday’s final stage, with the special only covering 209 kilometres, the two-time Dakar winner is well-placed for a solid finish to the rally.
Toby
Toby Price: “I’m pleased with today, and it feels good to be right up at the sharp end. It wasn’t quite as warm out there today, but the stage was still really challenging with some big dunes and tricky terrain. I set off well, caught Skyler (Howes) by around kilometre 60, and after that, we tried to keep pace with the guys in front.
So far, the whole race has been pretty demanding physically, but I still feel in good shape. Time to get some rest now, and then it’s back to full gas tomorrow for the final day back to Abu Dhabi.”
As the first rider into the timed special on stage four, Matthias Walkner had the unenviable task of opening the route and being the first to navigate through the mixed terrain. Despite the pressure, the reigning world champion was able to stay out in front for the entire 243 kilometres while also maintaining a good, solid pace.
Completing the day in 13th, eight and a half minutes down on the winner, Matthias dropped to sixth in the event standings but will now enjoy a strong start position for tomorrow’s final sprint to the finish line.
Matthias
Matthias Walkner: “That was a tough stage for me – one of the hardest in my life! Leading out and opening the stage was tricky, with many off-piste sections. You have to remain 100% focused for the whole special while keeping up a good strong pace.
My main goal was to lose the minimum of time, which I managed to do. Only Sam (Sunderland) caught me, so that is encouraging. I’ve been on the back foot since the first day, really, but I’ve given it my throughout the whole rally – riding at 110% on every stage. It’s exhausting, and I’ll be glad to see the finish line tomorrow, but I’m super happy with my riding, and the bike has been perfect, too.”
Kevin Benavides was in great shape early on in today’s stage, pushing hard and fighting for a place in the top five on time.
Unfortunately, before the second checkpoint, a technical issue caused him to slow his pace, ending his challenge.
Despite the setback, the 2021 Dakar Champion used his skill and experience to bring his KTM 450 RALLY home to the finish, placing 26th. Benavides now lies 13th overall but will try to attack tomorrow’s final stage to finish his rally on a high.
Kevin
Kevin Benavides: “I started well this morning. I knew I had the speed, and I knew I could make up time on the others, but unfortunately, it just wasn’t to be. Around the 60-kilometre mark, I had a small technical issue that slowed my pace, and from there, I just tried to bring it home safely and get to the finish.
It’s disappointing, of course, especially as I knew I had a good chance to challenge for the top spots, but these things happen, and you just have to move on. Hopefully, I’ll have a good day tomorrow and finish the race with a strong stage result.”
Stage five of the 2022 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge will cover a total distance of 371 kilometers and feature a timed special of 209 kilometers raced against the clock.
Provisional Results – Stage 4 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2022
- 1. Luciano Benavides (ARG), Husqvarna, 3:04:10
- 2. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 3:04:42 +0:32
- 3. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 3:05:14 +1:04
- 4. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 3:06:02 +1:52
- 5. Joaquim Rodrigues (PRT), Hero, 3:07:07 +2:57
Other KTM
- 13 Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 3:12:36 +8:26
- 26. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 3:55:07 +50:57
Provisional Standings – Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge 2022 after 4 of 5 stages
- 1. Sam Sunderland (GBR), GASGAS, 14:33:27
- 2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHI), Honda, 14:33:50 +0:23
- 3. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 14:35:09 +1:42
- 4. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 14:36:01 +2:34
- 5. Joaquim Rodrigues (PRT), Hero, 14:38:36 +5:09
Other KTM
- 6. Matthias Walkner (AUT), KTM, 14:40:47 +7:20
- 13. Kevin Benavides (ARG), KTM, 15:23:22 +49:55
