Kevin Benavides has seen a dream come true as he concludes the 2021 Dakar Rally as champion while defending champion Ricky Brabec claimed second after taking the spoils on the final special stage. The 43rd edition of the Dakar Rally proved to be one of the toughest in its history. With organizers delivering a punishing route across the entire 12 days of competition, the event included a wide variety of terrain together with some of the most technically demanding navigation seen in recent years.
Benavides made history to become the first South American rider ever to hold aloft the winner‰Ûªs heavy bronze Touareg. The Argentinean, whose consistency turned out to be the decisive factor, claimed two stage wins in the rally.
"The final stage of this Dakar 2021 was very difficult: I started third so I thought that it would be easier, but it was not like that," Benavides said. "At kilometre 50 all the riders in front got lost, so I began to open the track. The stage has been very difficult to navigate so I stayed very focused on doing things well. I gave everything to achieve this win which is a dream come true for me. I am very happy and thrilled about it. I crossed the finish-line thinking about many things, with great emotions... Paulo Gon̤alves also crossed with me... It was a great moment. I am really pleased and I‰Ûªm living this moment. I want to thank the whole team, starting with my mechanics, for the great job they have all done this difficult year. Thanks also to Honda for giving us such a great bike which made it possible to achieve the dream."
