The Tough Reality of Being a Professional Motorcycle Racer
Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team’s Adrien Van Beveren is officially out of the race after a crash just a few kilometers before the finish of the timed special. This is the second injury of 2018 Dakar Rally where a lead racer has been forced to retire due to injuries, the first being Sam Sunderland. The Frenchman is receiving medical attention in La Rioja and is expected to return to his homeland on Wednesday night or Thursday morning per his personal request.
Adrien Van Beveren, 27, Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team racer, forced to exit the 2018 Dakar Rally due to a crash that broke his collarbone, two ribs, and a pulmonary contusion.
(Image: Yamaha Racing)
In the beautiful city of Belen, located among the majestic mountains of Argentina, is where Stage 10 of the Dakar Rally was held. From Salta, racers were introduced to one of the most demanding stages in Dakar history. The tricky and dusty terrain saw Van Beveren “enjoying a mistake-free performance” before he crashed less than five kilometers from the end.
Frenchman Van Beveren, on the dusty terrains of Belen, the 10th stage of the Darkar Rally. He enjoyed a mistake-free start before crashing less than five kilometers from the finish line, forcing him to retire from the race.
(Image: Yamaha Racing)
He was immediately airlifted to the nearest hospital in Belen before being taken by ambulance to the Hospital Regional Dr. Vera Barros in La Rioja, Argentina. There it was confirmed that 27-year-old Van Beveren had broken a collarbone, two fractured ribs, and a pulmonary contusion – bruised lungs – caused by the impact of the crash.
“The first couple of hours after the incident were long, but luckily Adrien’s condition has been stable throughout the night and this morning,” said Team Director Alexandre Kowalski. “He is a lot of pain but he is breathing normally and is looking forward to returning to France as soon as possible. He has been under close supervision all through the night, with doctors in La Rioja confirming the initial diagnosis for a broken collarbone, two broken ribs and an impact on his lungs from the crash.“Adrien is in much better spirits today, but still extremely disappointed for losing the chance to continue the race and his battle for the coveted Dakar victory. It’s been a heavy blow for all the members of our team but we are all standing behind Adrien.”
Van Bevener’s team mate, Rodney Faggotter, places 20th overall in the rally. One man’s loss is another man’s victory.
(Image: Yamaha Racing)
Making up for their lost team mate’s assistance in the race, Rodney Faggotter brought his WR450F Rally in to 13th position, standing at the 20th place overall.
The race continued yesterday in Argentina, with stage 11 of the taking Dakar Rally competitors from Belén to Fiambala, including a 280km timed special.