Ricky Brabec made a strategic surge to 2nd overall in the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge. The Top American capitalized on a tough day in the dunes for HRC – Honda Racing Corporation/ Monster Energy teammate Tosha Schareina, who slipped down in the overall standings after winning the Prologue and Stage 1.
“The marathon stage is never supposed to be easy, but yesterday was a true battle because it was so windy,” said Brabec from the bivouac. “We finished at midday and the wind was insane, just sand blowing everywhere! It was difficult to do anything, so we just hung out in the wind with our goggles on.
“We had a big day today and I was trying to push as hard as I can to get to the front and to get some bonus time. Unfortunately it took me almost all the stage to catch up and then I made good time on Tosha, but only made three minutes on Luciano Benavides who also got the bonuses. Near the end it was a little bit dusty, I managed to get in front of them and tried to gap them a little bit to get some seconds but it didn’t work. With one day to go I’m super happy.”
Stage 5 today will feature a dash for cash as the 2X Dakar Rally champ chases defending Dakar winner Daniel Sanders to the finish line.
