Dakar 2020: Hero’s Paulo Goncalves Claims 10th Spot, Sherco-TVS Racing Finish Strong

Jan 9, 2020
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Harith Noah was the top Indian rider of the day

Paulo Goncalves was once again the top rider amongst the Indian teams as the Portuguese rider was the tenth fastest rider of the day. Goncalves has been shining for the past couple of days, ending Stage 5, 13 minutes behind stage winner Toby Price. Goncalves has now climbed up to 59th overall and could be well on his way to crack into the top 50 by the end of the next stage.

Sherco-TVS Racing’s riders finished yet another day on a strong note. Team leader Adrien Metge finished a spot behind young Lorenzo Santolino as the latter crossed the line in 15th. Teammate Johnny Aubert had a small fall on the stage, his bike snapping back at him on the sandy sections. Nevertheless, he still rode home to a commendable 25th position. With the day’s results in place, Metge is now on the cusp of finishing in the top 10 in the overall standings, almost a minute behind 10th placed Stefan Svitko. Lorenzo continues his impressive run in 15th spot. Despite the fall, Johnny still remains 17th.

Hero’s Sebastian Buhler has been super consistent all throughout the rally. The German 21st place finish on the day has helped him climb up to 19th in the overall classifications. Buhler’s consistency will be highly appreciated by Hero. The German rider remains the team’s best hope for a top 15 finish after Joaquim Rodrigues’ exit from the rally and Paulo’s technical struggles slipping him down the order. Rodrigues still continues as part of the Dakar Experience category, finishing the stage in 25th spot.

Prodigal rider Harith Noah had one of his best days in the Dakar Rally as the Sherco-TVS Racing rider finished 38th, a spot higher than his more experienced compatriot C S Santosh. Noah seems to be enjoying his stint now that his injuries are not curtailing his limits.

Santosh’s 39th finish is still a great result for the Indian rider as he jumps up a spot in the overall standings from yesterday. Santosh seems to be emulating teammate Buhler’s consistent form in his quest for a top 30 finish.

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