Benavides back in action for Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
By TMX Archives on 31st Mar 17
Monster Energy Honda begin the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship campaign this weekend with the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge where Paulo Gonalves and a returing Kevin Benavides line up for the race.
Now with the all-clear to race again after a broken wrist, Benavides will make his first competitive outing of 2017 at the opening round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship in Abu Dhabi. He joins teammates Paulo Goncalves and Ricky Brabec - winner of the Mexican Sonora Rally.
"For me this is the first race of the year and it's the first one since I had the accident just before the Dakar,” said Benavides. Three months have passed now since the crash. I've worked really hard to come back and I'm very happy to be in Abu Dhabi for the first time – it's a beautiful place. I can't wait to be able to get back on the bike and feel those sensations again. I'm going to tackle this race without pressure, try and enjoy it and get some kilometres under my belt.
Goncalves - winner of the race in 2014 - and Benavides are scheduled to take part in every round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship with the first stop at the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, which gets underway from the Yas Marina on March 31.
Competitors can look forward to over 2,000 kilometres of course with 1,300km of special stage against the clock.
The Super Special will get the show up and running on Saturday, April 1 and will decide the starting order for the first full-stage in the Liwa Desert.
The event wraps up on April 6 at the Yas Marina Circuit.
