Eight stages later, and the rest day arrived, Neels Theric remains in the Dakar 2023 standings with the best of the rookies in the race – fighting even for the absolute top 20.
The RS Comcept rider, who rides a Gas Gas, has already won three stages among the rookies, and is in close combat with Michael Docherty (HT Rally Raid Husqvarna). The South African also won three rounds, in addition to the prologue, and is just 3m51s from the lead – which would even be his, were it not for a 15 minute penalty.
Third placed is Jacob Argubright (Duust Rally Team/Husqvarna) – who has also been the best rookie on one of the stages so far – 34m08s behind Theric. The top five of the rookies is completed by Toni Mulec (HT Rally Raid Husqvarna) and Stefano Caimi (BAS World KTM Racing Team), both already more than an hour ahead.
Top ten overall rookies: