“I send a greeting to
Leo Messi
and to the entire
Argentine National Team
.
I was able to win in Saudi Arabia.
The triumph of the National Team had a lot to do with it.
One was very motivated.
I always fight for my flag and put Argentina at the top of world motorcycling”.
The greeting from Kevin Benavides as soon as he got off the KTM after winning his second Dakar went to the idol of national football
.
And really, this time in his bunker, in each camp, there was a festive atmosphere, with themes alluding to the National Team, in addition to wearing the Argentine colors on the helmet.
"I chose to believe and here we are
," said the man from Salta, in relation to his change of brand since that victory in 2021 and the current one.
“Two years ago I won the Dakar and there were two special dates.
January 9 was the day off and I celebrated my birthday a little more relaxed.
And I consecrated myself on January 15.
This time, I blew out the candles on January 9, a day of rest, and today, January 15, I am celebrating again, ”he recalled.
Upon reaching the finish line,
Benavides looked at the sky, screamed, raised his right arm and some tears fell
: "This is thanks to the support of my family, who always gave me all the chances to be able to do what I like." .
To my friends, to my people, to the formidable team”, highlighted the champion.
Kevin Benavides and a champion gesture.
Photo: FRANCK FIFE / AFP
But the special dedication was left for last: “And this victory is for Paulo, who guides me from above.
I feel it at every step that helps me to achieve all this”, confessed Kevin, referring to the Portuguese driver
Paulo Gonçalves
, who died three years ago in the first Dakar that was held in Saudi Arabia.
Speedy
, much loved by all his competitors and by the Dakar environment in particular, suffered a crash in the first edition that took place in the Middle East.
That incident was a very hard blow for Kevin, since he felt sponsored by the experienced driver from Portugal.
Damman, Saudi Arabia.
Special for Clarion.
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Argentine Kevin Benavides became Dakar motorcycle champion for the second time