The Walk For Life pink truck triumphs in its category at the Dakar Classic Rally

In a dazzling display of skill and determination, Canarian driver Rafael Lesmes and his co-pilot Tabatha Romon, secured victory in the Dakar Classic's truck category yesterday (Friday), clinching ninth spot overall in an intense competition featuring over 70 participants, with the overall winner, another Spaniard, Carlos Santaolalla.

Lesmes, in his distinctive pink truck affectionately dubbed the "Pink Elephant" by other drivers and fans alike, due to its impressive size and eye-catching colour adorned with logos from charities, including the Walk For Life, dedicated his drive to the fight against breast cancer, both in women and men, a cause often overlooked.

In the final stage of the race, they finished twelfth overall, but this performance was enough to confirm their position as the top finishers in the truck category of this year's Dakar Classic Rally.

Upon crossing the finish line, Lesmes emphasised that they conquered the Dakar in a challenge that tested them "every step of the way," particularly in the last stage, which he described as "a true challenge with almost zero visibility due to the dust kicked up by the other vehicles."

"Despite the dangers and stress, we managed to overtake other competitors, maintaining a steady and secure pace," Lesmes added, asserting that their victory in the truck category "goes beyond a trophy."

In this category, rankings are based on points, and the team led by the Canarian driver secured 3,455 points, including penalties, placing them 2,635 points ahead of the overall champions.

The 'Dakar for Life' expedition featured the first Canarian truck to compete in one of the world's most challenging rallies. According to a statement released on the team’s website, apart from the positive result, they achieved their "noblest goal by bringing joy and hope to breast cancer patients."