Triumph in the Desert: Gert Huzink's Hard-Won Victory in Dakar Rally's Ninth Stage

16.1.2024

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AlUla, January 16, 2024- Gert Huzink, true to his commitment following the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally, triumphantly delivered on his promise by securing victory during the challenging ninth stage from Hail to Alula on Tuesday. The seasoned truck driver of the Jongbloed Dakar Team reflected on the achievement, stating, “It was a nice victory. He's hard-won. Those are the most beautiful.”

Expressing his joy on Tuesday afternoon, Huzink emphasized the significance of the victory for the entire team and MKR Technology, the company behind the construction of the exceptional truck. He remarked, “This is important for the entire team. And for MKR Technology, which built the truck. It is confirmation that they have built an excellent truck. And that we are fast.”

Despite facing a difficult and tough Dakar Rally in recent days, Huzink's journey hasn’t always aligned with his preferences. After the sixth stage, he made the decision to let go of classification ambitions and concentrate on securing stage victories. Recognizing the significance of achieving a much-desired victory, Huzink stated, “It was an important moment for everyone. Everyone at the finish was waiting for us, including the sponsors. A great moment to take advantage of.”

The ninth stage unfolded as a fierce battle for Huzink, engaging in a prolonged duel with competitors Martin Macik and Ales Loprais. Taking calculated risks with waypoints, the race was not without its challenges, including a momentary setback that required Huzink to backtrack and pick up lost time.

Reaching the neutralization point in second place, just a minute behind Martin, Huzink, along with his navigator Rob Buursen and mechanic Martin Roesink, made a decisive choice: "It's all or nothing." From that pivotal moment, the team pushed to the absolute maximum, navigating challenging terrains and occasionally finding themselves in the dust of their competitors.

Before the stage, Huzink had expressed his ambition to secure a stage victory. Starting in the advantageous sixth position on Tuesday morning, he recognized the possibilities ahead. The strategic decision proved effective, as the route was yet to be significantly impacted, allowing them to drive with minimal dust exposure and overtake fewer stragglers.

In the final kilometers, Huzink found himself trailing in Martin's dust, with a narrow gap of just under a minute. The victory brought a sense of déjà vu, reminiscent of Huzink's triumph in the third stage last year. Reflecting on the achievement, the entrepreneur assured, “We had indeed promised that we would take a day's victory. That has now been achieved. This tastes like more…." The success of the ninth stage victory not only marks a pivotal moment in the Dakar Rally for Gert Huzink and the Jongbloed Dakar Team but also sets the stage for continued excellence and triumphs in the challenging days that lie ahead. 

Results – Stage 9 - Ha‘il - AlUla (417 km):
1. Huzink (NLD) Renault 05:04:34
2. Macik (CZE) Iveco +00:01:32
3. Loprais (CZE) Praga +00:04:37
4. Mit. van den Brink (NLD) Iveco +05:28:56
5. Valtr (CZE) Tatra +05:31:22

Overall
1. Macik (CZE) Iveco 43:26:01
2. Loprais (CZE) Praga +01:54:42
3. Mit. van den Brink (NLD)+02:12:10
4. van Kasteren (NLD) Iveco +07:51:58
5. Versteijnen (NLD) Iveco +07:51:58
10. Huzink (NLD) Renault +58:01:56 

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