When it is said that no one is a prophet in their land, it is enough to observe what the sport generates to banish that phrase.
The public manifests itself in front of the achievements that its representatives obtain in the big events.
“
A month ago we were here celebrating the World Cup, and here we are again, to celebrate together with the Benavides
”, harangued the announcer on stage mounted at the foot of the monument to Martín Miguel de Güemes, in Salta.
And there was the epicenter of an unforgettable day for Kevin Benavides, winner of the 2023 Dakar on motorcycles, and his brother Luciano, 6th overall, who received the warmth of a crowd that recognized the enormous effort and achievement obtained by their ambassadors. Worldwide.
The Benavides arrived at the Salta airport at 7:45 p.m.
From that moment they already felt the warmth of the people, who received them between songs and flags.
Kevin, a KTM pilot, brought with him the Touareg, the traditional award given to the winners of the world's most extreme competition.
Salteños arriving early to pay homage to the son of the city. Photo: Turismo Salta
Beyond Kevin's resounding triumph, Luciano was also applauded.
A Husqvarna rider, he won three stages (one more than Kevin) and proved to be the fastest within the structure that groups the three brands (KTM, Husqvarna and Gas Gas).
The organization was impeccable.
From the Secretary of Sports of Salta, like the Ministry of Tourism, they put on their shoulders an impeccable event, without overflows and emotional.
Even the weather accompanied, since the rain stopped minutes before the event began.
Above the pumper, the Benavides, who in addition to being born, live and train in Salta, sang and were moved by the route of the vehicle, which traveled along Namchik avenue to the Limache roundabout;
Paraguay, Pellegrini and 25 de Mayo avenues, and finally ended at Belgrano avenue to the Güemes monument.
Argentine flags, people from the balconies and those who followed the caravan on motorcycles, bicycles and some young people on foot, was the constant of a journey that will be unforgettable for the Benavides brothers.
Welcome to Kevin and Luciano Benavides in Salta. Photo: Turismo Salta
There, the pilots got off the pumper and two motorcycles, from respective training of each brand they represent in the Dakar and in the W2RC World Championship, were waiting for them.
Without hesitation, Kevin and Luciano jumped on and sped them off, causing the crowd to erupt.
They burned rubber, did some maneuvers to the delight of the people, and got on stage.
There, the stanzas of the Argentine National Anthem were sung, with the music band of the local police force, dressed as the gauchos of Güemes.
“I want to thank each of you, from the bottom of my heart, for being here.
And to see our strength exerted in the Dakar, which is the most extreme competition in the world”, Kevin said as he took the microphone.
“For the second time, and now with a new team, I was able to win the Dakar.
It was very difficult.
This started a long time ago, with an intense training period, focused on doing my job very well.
And today, seeing all this, which makes me very proud to represent my province and my country, it is worth the effort”, highlighted the winner of the Dakar 2023, with KTM, and of the Dakar 2021, with Honda.
The Benavides brothers with their family.
“In the last stage I gave 110% effort to achieve it.
And it was with a lot of egg.
We are Argentines and we know what it is about putting eggs in everything we do.
This triumph belongs to all of you too,” he added.
The Benavides had a tight schedule since their arrival in Argentina.
On Tuesday night, when they arrived at Ezeiza, they were also received by sympathizers and fans, who arrived with their motorcycles and accompanied the Salta pilots at the airport like a caravan.
On Wednesday they met with the Argentine press, receiving recognition from KTM Argentina, and from there, the flight to Salta, to live an unforgettable night together with their people.
After the festivities and a short rest, the Benavides will continue with the activity, since the Dakar was the start of the Cross Country World Championship, the W2RC.
The next date will be the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, in the United Arab Emirates, from February 25 to March 2, and then the Sonora Rally will make its debut in Mexico, from April 22 to 28.
At the end of August, the World Cup caravan will move to Argentina.
The end of the season will take place between October 12 and 18, with the Rally of Morocco.
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