Hero MotoSports powers through a difficult Stage 10 in Dakar 2022
Stage 10, the fastest and most technical special stage of Dakar 2022, proved to be difficult for the Hero MotoSports team in more ways than one. The stage, held on January 12th, marks two years to the day that teammate Paulo 'Speedy' Goncalves lost his life in a tragic accident on a Dakar special stage. Goncalves, a Dakar Legend, and Joaquim Rodrigues' brother-in-law was ostensibly part of the Hero MotoSports' family, and JRod had a sleepless night before the stage, and couldn't hold focus over the fast, flowing sections.Â
While he finished the stage in 12th position, a missed waypoint and the penalties that came with it dropped him down to 31st in the stage rankings. Aaron Mar held strong and finished the stage in 11th, passing two riders before the refuelling. JRod and Mar are placed 14th and 15th in the overall standings.Â
In the previous stage, a fast loop around Wadi Ad Dawasir, JRod placed 11th and Mar 18th, despite JRod not feeling like he was at his best, and Mar suffering a navigational error and a small fall in the dunes.Â
Also read,Â
Hero MotoSports' riders consolidate their top 20 positions in Stage 8
Of Heroes and heartbreak: Remembering Paulo Goncalves