Grit and Glory: Gert Huzink's Dakar Rally Triumph Despite Back Pain
17.1.2024
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On a jubilant Tuesday, Gert Huzink expressed his desire for more after securing a stage victory in the Dakar Rally. The following day, the truck driver of the Jongbloed Dakar Team not only relished another taste of victory but also endured severe back pain, a consequence of hitting a hole during the tenth stage.
Huzink, an entrepreneur hailing from Manderveen, found immense satisfaction in clinching a second consecutive victory, adding vibrancy to his challenging Dakar experience. Reflecting on the accomplishment, he stated, “It is very satisfying that we were the first to cross the finish line. It was the first time we were able to start at the front, and things should be able to go better. We also got off to a strong start. We were definitely among the fastest.”
The striking result, however, was only part of the story. Underneath the resounding success lay a chronicle of perseverance despite adversity. Huzink remarked, “We had to fight very, very hard for it, with a lot of pain.”
The Renault truck encountered trouble after covering one hundred and fifty kilometers when it collided with a hole, causing Huzink to experience severe back pain. Determined to push through, he recalled, “I made a strange movement with my back. I was in a lot of pain, I really had to come to my senses. We drove on. I thought: to the finish and then finish the stage. But after thirty kilometers, I was able to get painkillers from the organization. I sat down again, and after a while, the pain subsided a bit.”
Despite the pain, Huzink allowed Martin Macik in his Iveco Powerstar to pass him due to the discomfort. However, Macik was unable to overtake him, and Huzink, despite uncertainties about his back, resolved not to give up. He recalled, “But Martin just couldn't get past us. Our lead was apparently big enough. Then I thought: then I won't give up on him either.”
The victory, achieved despite the back problem, marked a significant accomplishment. After the stage, Huzink visited the Dakar doctor's post, and the outcome of the examination remained uncertain at the time of publication.
Looking ahead with confidence, Huzink anticipated the challenging penultimate stage of the rally, covering 587 kilometers from Alula to Yanbu on Thursday, with a special section of 480 kilometers. Despite the lingering back pain, the goal remained the same – to achieve the highest possible. Huzink declared, “Tomorrow we will go for the maximum again, we want to win again!”
Results – Stage 10 - AlUla - AlUla (371 km):
1. Huzink (NLD) Renault 03:40:39
2. Macik (CZE) Iveco +00:01:08
3. Becx (NLD) Iveco +00:09:00
4. Loprais (CZE) Praga +00:12:34
5. de Baar (NLD) Iveco +00:13:14
Overall
1. Macik (CZE) Iveco 47:07:48
2. Loprais (CZE) Praga +02:06:08
3. Mit. van den Brink (NLD)+03:31:46
4. van Kasteren (NLD) Iveco +04:51:28
5. Versteijnen (NLD) Iveco +08:56:54
12. Huzink (NLD) Renault +58:00:48
