Thrilling Ruta 40 climax: Paulo Gonçalves triumphs in Argentina

Monster Energy Honda Team’s Portuguese rider Paulo Gonçalves has clinched the overall victory in the Desafío Ruta 40, the fourth round of the FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship. Ricky Brabec finished fifth.

 The final stage of the Desafío Ruta 40, from Villa Union to San Juan, which featured two hundred kilometres of special timed stage, concluded to the joy of Paulo Gonçalves and the entire Monster Energy Honda Team. The squad romped to a final triumph in the race after five days of merciless Argentine desert. The Portuguese rider posted second on the final day, after 17:06:02 in the saddle, to claim the top step of the podium in what will go down as one of the toughest ever rallies.

 Ricky Brabec finished the Desafío Ruta 40 in fifth overall position, with the American taking the fourth fastest time on the day, some five minutes behind the stage winner.

 The next race for Monster Energy Honda Team will be the Desafio Inca in September, held from 13th to 16th, which will take place in the Ica region of Peru.