at this event I’ve got onto the podium,” he said.
“So far, I’m either a number one or a number
three guy. The most important thing is to be
here safely at the finish. Obviously, we came
here to win, but it just wasn’t our year.”
The highest placed female rider was Spaniard
Laia Sanz, who rode well again to finish in 18th
place. Sanz, 34, enthused, “I’ve started 10 Dakars
and I’ve finished all 10. This is something that is
42 KIWI RIDER
really difficult and it’s an achievement I’m
very proud of.”
However, for riders, the 2020 Dakar will be
remembered for one man – Paulo Goncalves –
who sadly lost his life racing the seventh
stage of the event with many posting the
hashtag #RacingForSpeedy (Goncalves’
nickname) in their social media updates
for the remainder of the rally.