Victory is assured for Adrien Van Beveren on Dakar Rally Stage 5 (373Km special loop in Ha'il, Saudi Arabia). The Frenchman has achieved the best time on the day’s special, 13’’ ahead of Nacho Cornejo. Mason Klein is on the third step of the day’s podium. Skyler Howes has put in another strong performance at the Dakar Rally, fighting his way through a physically demanding stage five to claim fifth position on the day and move himself into the provisional lead of the race.
The riders knew stage five would be a real test of physical endurance and navigational skill. Third into the special, Skyler Howes maintained his top-three position right up until kilometre 190. Failing to find a waypoint, Skyler and the small group he was riding with were forced to retrace their tracks before carrying on.
In the second half of the special, while still riding within a group, one of Howes’ rivals crashed and required assistance. After spending some time helping the fallen rider, the group then continued onwards to the finish. Despite completing the challenging stage in a provisional fifth place, five and a half minutes down on the eventual winner, Skyler’s time was good enough to elevate him into the lead of the overall rally standings.
Although times are close at the top of the general rankings, Howes will have the advantage of a sixth-place start position for tomorrow’s long stage six. Totalling 877 kilometres and including a timed special of 467 kilometres, day six is the longest of the event and will lead competitors from Ha’il to Al Duwadimi.
Skyler Howes
Tough day today. It’s been really physical as for most of the day we were up on the pegs picking our way through the camel grass. I caught up to the lead group quite early on, but it was really difficult to see the tracks today. We made a mistake and chose the wrong way, ended up getting lost, and then had to make a few circles to find the one waypoint we’d missed. Shortly before the finish Joan (Barreda) had a big crash and got caught up with Toby (Price), and so we stopped for a few minutes to make sure they were alright before carrying on. I know I lost a little time today, but I’m happy to reach the finish safely and I’m in good shape to push hard again tomorrow.
2023 Dakar Rally – Stage 5 Provisional Classification
1. Adrien Van Beveren (Honda) 4:27:28
2. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 4:27:41
3. Toby Price (KTM) 4:31:24
4. Mason Klein (KTM) 4:32:41
5. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 4:33:01
6. Matthias Walkner (KTM) 4:34:58
2023 Dakar – Provisional Overall Classification [After Stage 5]
1. Skyler Howes (Husqvarna) 23:16:37
2. Toby Price (KTM) 23:18:44
3. Kevin Benavides (KTM) 23:21:53
4. Mason Klein (KTM) 23:22:49
5. Adrien Van Beveren (Honda) 23:25:31
6. Joan Barreda (Honda) 23:26:01
ASO and Husqvarna