Dakar Drama: Gert Huzink's Journey Through Turbulent Terrain and Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

12.1.2024

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Shubaytah, January 12, 2024 - Enduring the challenging two-day sixth stage of the Dakar Rally, Gert Huzink faced setbacks but powered through to the finish on Friday. Despite the incurred damage, a podium finish is now unlikely, but the determined Huzink remains optimistic about showcasing strong performances in the upcoming days.

Reflecting on the 758-kilometer journey with a 549-kilometer special stage, Huzink acknowledged the tough nature of the Dakar. Describing the initial troubles, he shared, "After three kilometers, we were already sidelined due to a mistake. After sorting things out, we resumed the journey four or five hours later."

While the damage diminished hopes of a top-ranking, the resilient entrepreneur from Manderveen refused to surrender. Despite visibility challenges from a broken windscreen, Huzink pressed on. He recounted, "Pascal faced drive problems, and we pulled him out of a dune pan for truck repairs."

Navigating the dunes with navigator Rob Buursen and mechanic Martin Roesink, Huzink faced darkness during a five-hour stint. He shared, "We surfed through the dunes in the dark, having five oops moments where we danced on two wheels. But everything went well, entering the bivouac at 11 p.m."

Restarting with fresh determination on Friday morning, Huzink acknowledged the wear on his Renault truck. Steering pump issues led to further challenges, but the team received assistance from Anja van Loon and her team. Huzink recalled, "We put William de Groot upright, then faced drive problems, missed a waypoint, but eventually crossed the finish line."

Despite labeling these stages as the toughest he's ever ridden, Huzink also found them the most beautiful. The Dakar Rally continues to test and push the limits, and Gert Huzink and the Jongbloed Dakar Team remain unwavering in their pursuit of success.

Tomorrow, on the 13th, a rest day awaits, but not for the mechanics. They will have their hands full as the truck faced challenges, being on its side a couple of times. The following day, Stage 7 awaits with 483 special and a total of 873 km from Riyadh to Al Duwadimi. 

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