Hero MotoSports start 2022 Dakar on a high as they complete Stage 1B

Stage 1B was the first stage of the 2022 Dakar Rally and both Hero MotoSports riders were able to complete the stage safely without technical issues. Aaron Mare was able to make the best out of the stage as he crossed the finish line in P11 and moved to P10 in the overall rankings. Joaquim Rodrigues on the other hand had a great start in the stage but after facing some navigational challenges, he finished the stage in P22 and overall, he stands in P19.

Stage 1B, which looped around Ha’il, had a sandy terrain typical of the desert, with twisty tracks through dunes and valleys. Both riders finished the stage and reached the bivouac after riding over 513km, including 333km of the desert as part of the special stage. Navigation was quite complicated as the tracks were not visible, had plenty of fork changes, and were also turning between stones for a long part.

After the stage, Joaquim Rodrigues said, “I made a good start, however, I and 3-4 other competitors who led the stage got lost somewhere around the 165kms mark, and could not find the way ahead. The late starters also caught up with us there, and I lost almost an hour before finding the waypoint and heading to the finish. Anyhow, it’s just the first day, there are 11 more days left to find my way to the top.”

Aaron expressed, “I had a great stage today with the amazing Hero Rally 450. The stage was quite tricky with complicated navigation, yet I got to ride with some of the other competitors and I thoroughly enjoyed the day. I’m eager to get back on the bike tomorrow!”

The second stage will be a 339km long ride through a chain of dunes, topped with an equally long liaison. The riders will leave Ha’il in the morning, and reach the bivouac at Al Qaisumah after completing the stage. For more news from the 2022 Dakar Rally, stay tuned to evo India!