Rodrigues back in top 10 for Hero after penultimate stage

With the last major stage done and dusted, the 2017 Dakar is set to wind down in 24-hours. But, before the champagne is popped, one last special stage of 64 km needs to be finished before the participants head to Buenos Aires for a grand reception for the finish podium ceremony and the winners are crowned.

For Sherco-TVS, it has been a remarkable recovery drive after initial setbacks for both riders. Spaniard Pedro moved up three places after the relatively short 288km special stage, to be classified 13^th overall. His teammate Adrien Metge also continued the good work and moved up three places in overall classification as well, to finish 23^rd overall.

For Hero Motosports, Joaquim Rodrigues once again showcased great speed and navigational skills belying his status as a Dakar rookie. The Portuguese rider posted the 14^th fastest time of the stage and once again clawed his way up to the coveted 10^th spot – something he’d be looking forward to holding on with just a 64km special marking the final run to Buenos Aires to culminate the 2017 edition of the world’s toughest race.

His teammate CS Santosh also continued his recovery drive on a stage marked by dunes and hidden summits followed by WRC-style fast, hard-packed and extremely slippery track. Despite having to contend with the dust due to his starting position, he managed to improve on his overall standings and was classified 48^th at the end of the day.

RESULTS

Indian participation in MOTO category:

Position               Rider                                                     Team

10                           Joaquim Rodrigues                       Hero Speedbrain
13                           Juan Pedrero Garcia                     Sherco-TVS
23                           Adrien Metge                                Sherco-TVS
48                           CS Santosh                                     Hero Speedbrain