After an action-packed stage 7, the return journey to Pisco had competitors encounter a mix of different elements. Comprising of 360km, Stage 8 of the Dakar Rally started with fesh-fesh which later transitioned into beaches that continues for almost 80 kilometres. In the latter part of the stage, the riders faced chains of dunes that had to be crossed to reach the finishing line of the special section. Part of the dunes of Ica were already visited by the competitors previously during Stage 2 of the rally. With only two more stages to go, here’s a photo gallery of Stage 8 of the rally.
Inspite of maintaining top ranks in the overall category, misfortune struck American rider, Ricky Brabec, as his Honda motorcycle faced an engine failure after riding for 56km in Stage 8.
After securing fifth ranking overall in the previous stage, Pablo Quintanilla representing Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing managed to climb up the charts securing an impressive second position in Stage 8 and also overall ranking.
Riding for Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team, Adrien Van Beveren completed Stage 8 of the rally in the fifth position. However, in the overall rankings, Beveren moved down by two places settling down at fourth ranking.
After receiving a one-hour penalty in the previous stage, San Sunderland completed Stage 8 in the 34th position which resulted in a drop in his overall ranking to ninth.
Stage 8 turned out to be good for Toby Price as he completed the stage in the third position and more importantly secured top ranking in the overall category.
With steady performance and position hovering around the top 15, Hero MotorSports’ Oriol Mena managed to enter into the top 10 in the overall ranking.
Hero MotorSports’ second rider Joaquim Rodrigues completed Stage 8 right behind his teammate Mana. His overall ranking ascended from 24th to 18th.
