Strong Start for Short at 2019 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge

Rockstar Energy Husqvarna Factory Racing Rider Finishes as Runner-Up
on Tough Opening Stage

April 1, 2019 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Competing in his first Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, Andrew Short has put in a superb performance during stage one to finish as runner-up, just six minutes down on the winner. The eighth rider away from the start of the timed special, Short not only had to learn how to deal with the undulating dunes of the Liwa Desert but was also forced to brave the strong winds and a sandstorm that battered the riders near the beginning of the stage.

Showing great consistency on the 261.97-kilometre special, the American rider earned himself a strong start position for Monday’s stage two, where he will aim to chase down leader Sam Sunderland and gain valuable minutes in the overall standings.

Featuring a total distance of 434.19 kilometres, tomorrow’s stage includes a 222.80-kilometre long timed special in the dunes of the United Arab Emirates.

Andrew Short: “The first day has gone well for me, I am happy to finish second. I was fortunate to be able to ride behind Sam for a good distance, he was riding really well and opening the stage really fast. For me, as it’s my first time here, it was good to see how he rides the terrain and sets his pace over the dunes. The place looks like Mars – it’s really difficult to read the terrain but I hope to improve as the event continues.”

2019 Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge – Stage 1 Provisional Classification

1. Sam Sunderland (KTM) 3:40:41
2. Andrew Short (Husqvarna) 3:46:50
3. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (Honda) 3:47:27
4. Luciano Benavides (KTM) 3:49:48
5. Kevin Benavides (Honda) 3:55:08
6. Mark Ackerman (Husqvarna) 4:21:12

Husqvarna Motorcycles. Tradition on two wheels since 1903.

Husqvarna Motorcycles are widely known and respected in the off-road world for a heritage of competition and numerous motocross and enduro world championships. Originally founded in Sweden in 1903, Husqvarna Motorcycles have been designed and manufactured in Mattighofen, Austria since 2013.

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Source: Husqvarna Motorcycles GmbH

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