At the same time GASGAS North America was introducing its 2021 team riders, GASGAS racer Laia Sanz was finishing up Stage 5 of the Dakar Rally. “Wow, that was a tough day today! I made a mistake with my navigation early on but then it seems like everyone else made the same mistake," says Sanz. "Because of this I guess my day wasn’t too bad. After that it was a fun stage with tricky navigation, so I was able to make up some time before the halfway point. I then kept my focus on maintaining a good rhythm but towards the end it was very tiring."
Stage 5 provided a physical and technical challenge in equal measure. The early going favored Laia, with the slower speeds and rocky terrain allowing her to put her navigational skills to the test and, quickly overcoming an early mistake, make an impression on the riders ahead. Passing the first waypoint in 18th after taking to the stage in 27th, Laia then once again opted for a ‘no risk’ strategy, completing the remainder of the stage without problems she moves one step closer to the mid-way point of the race.
"My preparation for this year wasn’t the best, but I’m pleased that I’m still pushing at a good pace. Overall, I’m happy and looking forward to tomorrow and then the rest day.”