therefore slower , navigation would be key . The GASGAS team led by Viladoms knew that Laia is a champion and capable of great results .
Getting 2021 underway , Laia successfully completed the opening day ’ s stage , describing the day as a true Dakar stage that included everything .
“ There was a little bit of everything with some very technical sections ,” she grinned where most were exhausted . It hadn ’ t been the greatest of stages for Laia who admitted that she became lost toward the end of the stage yet was confident that better would come .
Better did come as Laia improved to finish 11 places ahead of where she was the day before . Sand dunes were presented for the first time on this Dakar , combined with tough navigation she capitalised and moved up the general classifications by 3 places .
“ A lot happier ,” was how she described the feeling after the stage , not due to the results but how she was feeling on the bike , a rhythm had been found , boding well for the following days .
The next two days went well for Laia before the competitors took on stage five , the one considered most brutal before everyone was given a break on the rest day .
“ Wow , that was a tough day today !”, she shook her head . “ I made a mistake with my navigation early on but then it seems like everyone else made the same mistake .”
The stage provided a physical and technical challenge in equal measure . The earlier part of the stage favoured the Spaniard , slower speeds and rocky terrain that allowed for greater navigational skill . The earlier mistake was overcome to allow her to climb through the field before slowing to consolidate the result at the finish line .
“ My preparation for this year wasn ’ t the best ,” she confirmed , admitting that the stage had exhausted her . “ Overall , I ’ m happy and looking forward to tomorrow and then the rest day .”
The halfway point ( end of stage 6 ) marked the rest day , welcomed by all . Dakar 2021 was far from over , but
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