Dakar SS1: Hero loses Joaquim Rodrigues from the 1st stage

Joaquim Rodrigues © DR

The most gruelling race on the planet, the Dakar Rally, flagged off its 40th edition in all its glory and showmanship at Lima, the capital city of Peru today. This edition of Dakar Rally marks the 2nd year of participation for India’s Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the rally racing division of the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, Hero MotoCorp. The Team had an impressive Dakar debut in 2017 with a 12th place finish of the Team’s ace Portuguese rider, Joaquim Rodrigues.

 

The three riders of Hero MotoSports Team Rally rolled off the ceremonial podium, in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans who assembled in downtown Lima to give a warm send off to the participants.
 
After a long liaison of 242 kms, the short 1st special stage of 31 kms was kicked off from Lima to Pisco. Indian ace rider CS Santosh made a very good start on his 4th Dakar outing and closed the day with his best ever Dakar stage finish at 13th position.
 
Oriol Mena made a cautious start to his Dakar dreams and finished at a stable 22nd position.
 
An unfortunate crash at the half-way mark of the stage brought an abrupt end Joaquim Rodrigues’ participation in this year’s Rally. He was rushed to the hospital where initial scans showed no signs of any major injuries. He is now recuperating.
 
Dr. Markus Braunsperger, Chief Technology Officer, Hero MotoCorp and Head of Hero MotoSports: « It was exciting to see the riders start at the podium today. JRod’s crash was very unfortunate, but we are all happy that he is doing ok. We wish him a fast recovery and we hope that our remaining two Heroes will reach the finish line at Cordoba safely. »
 
C.S Santosh (Comp #49): « What a day to kick-off the Dakar 2018. It was an anxious start for me being in the Peruvian desert as the short stages are always tricky. There were many way point controls but I am really happy to come back safely and achieve my best ever stage finish at Dakar. Now we work towards the next stages and take a moment to wish for a speedy recovery for our mate JRod. »
 
Oriol Mena (Comp #61): « Joaquim’s crash was very unfortunate.The stage was completely in the dunes and the visibility was really bad due to high sun. It was difficult to judge better routes across the dunes as it was impossible to see the last part of the dunes. I wish for him to get well soon. For me, today was my maiden stage of the Dakar and I realise that it’s going to be a long and tough race. I opened the stage today and maintained my position throughout so I am happy with that. My aim is to finish every day and now I have one less day to finish.

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