While Brabec was all smiles after the 2-day camp out, teammate Skyler Howes was simply out. A “mechanical” on Stage 6A saw the popular American card a DNF for Dakar 2024. “The rider with the most spectacular mustache in the bivouac, Skyler Howes, suffered a huge blow to his Dakar, just 39 km into yesterday’s proceedings he had to retire from the rally with a mechanical problem,” reported the Monster Energy Honda Rally Team.
“I’m gutted to have to exit the rally early,” says the devastated American. “After a less than ideal start, I was looking forward to the Chrono Stage and the second week to claw back the time that I lost in the first couple of days.” But he pushed the limits of the bike and is now headed home instead of the well-deserved rest day at the half-way point.
“The issue that took me out is nobody’s fault, not mine, mechanics or the team. When you’re pushing at the maximum level for this many days, luck has a big part to play and yesterday I drew the short stick. Sometimes this happens in racing and all we can do is learn from it.”
But he will be back! “Now I’m looking forward to the year ahead and focusing on being better,” vows Howes. “Failure and adversity can be the best teacher, one I’m familiar with.”
