Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success
For Lorenzo Santolino, the journey to becoming a Dakar stage winner has been a long and challenging one. With seven editions under his belt, he has finally achieved this milestone, joining an elite group of riders who have accomplished this feat.
Santolino’s career has been marked by numerous achievements, including finishing his first Dakar in 2021 and securing a sixth-place classification. However, winning a stage is a significant step forward in terms of quality and prestige.
Reflecting on his achievement, Santolino noted that he had been trying to win a stage for many years, but it wasn’t always his primary objective. Instead, he focused on his overall position in the Dakar. Despite leading stages in the past, he acknowledged that winning a stage is a different experience altogether.
The stage that Santolino won was particularly favorable for him, with a technical area and stones that played to his strengths. He felt good on the track and decided to take advantage of the opportunity to win.
Guided by his Mother’s Memory
Santolino’s achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a tribute to his mother, who passed away four years ago. He changed his racing number from 24 to 15 in her memory and felt her presence guiding him during the stage.
He recalled feeling his mother’s energy and support during difficult moments on the bike, which gave him the strength to push through and achieve his best. This experience has left a lasting impact on Santolino, and he will continue to draw inspiration from his mother’s memory as he pursues his goals.
With this achievement, Santolino has gained new confidence and momentum in his pursuit of the top 5. He remains focused on his initial objective and is determined to fight for it with renewed strength and determination.