Summarize

South African Dakar rookie and former multiple SA Cross Country Moto champion Kenny Gilbert enjoyed a solid fourth day on the 405km run from Arequipa to Moquegua in Peru. Riding his Husqvarna conservatively on the first day of the 2-day marathon stage as there was no service assistance at the bivouac, Gilbert ended 28th on the day to move up another position to 27th overall and 4th among the rookies.

“I rode at a good pace today,” Kenny admitted. "I did not need another mistake like yesterday resulting in a big crash, especially with no service support tonight and I also had my back tyre in mind as it was a long special and with it being a marathon stage, I need that same tyre to take me home tomorrow. “We still have six days to race — I could have gone a bit quicker, this is a two-day marathon stage, so I rather kept it together for the sake of tomorrow’s race."

Husqvarna factory rider, Chilean Pablo Quintanilla meanwhile sits second overall among the two-wheelers, while his US teammate Andrew Short was 11th overall Thursday evening.

Friday’s 345km fifth stage to Arequipa is not only the second day of the marathon stage, but it also leads to Saturday’s much anticipated rest day where Kenny and his BAS Racing crew will have the chance to recharge their batteries and prepare for the second half of the Dakar 2019 starting Sunday morning.