SA competitor wins Dakar’s first timers class
Team plans to fly their flag high and continue to be ambassadors for rhino.
Family, friends and fans greeted Team Rhide SA with all the fanfare they deserve at O.R. Tambo International Airport on Wednesday.
The team competed in the prestigious Dakar Rally for the first time in support of the plight of rhino.
Hannes Saaijman, Team Rhide SA quad rider won the First Timers Class and finished ninth in the Dakar quad category on his Yamaha Raptor 700. Hannes was also the only South African competitor to win a stage.
Team Rhide SA, consisting of two experienced quad riders, Hannes and Brian Baragwanath, along with their three crew members, took on the 9,000 kilometre Dakar Rally to create international awareness for the plight of rhino.
“We trust that our activism was effective. Our team is committed to raising even more awareness and support for our rhino this year,” says Brian.
The Dakar Rally is known as one of the toughest challenges in the world, with only a handful of competitors making it to the end. Brian experienced two flat rear tires during the second stage, which caused a disappointing early end for the passionate rider. He continued to travel with the crew and supported Hannes and the team for the rest of the trip.
“The Dakar Rally is certainly a journey to remember and one of the most difficult challenges I’ve ever had to face,” says Hannes. “When it comes to Dakar, you are only as strong as your team.” Team Rhide SA thanks their sponsors, supporters and crew members for their unwavering support and interest during the Dakar. Says Brian: “The Isuzu NPS300 4×4 service truck, sponsored by Imperial GM Isando, served as a reliable vehicle for our crew.”
The team plans to fly their flag high and continue to be ambassadors for rhino.
“Hopefully we will acquire sponsors that share our dream and passion to do it again in 2016,” Brian said.
You can follow Team Rhide SA on Twitter: @TeamRhideSA and Facebook: TeamRhideSA at Dakar.
