Nani Roma, first Dakar leader after overcoming cancer: ‘We need humility and calmness’

Nani Roma It not only saved him a very complicated day when he could have said goodbye to his options. Instead, with a great attack with his co-driver Alex Haro, he made a spectacular turnaround on stage 9 with four to go and took the lead in the 2026 Dakar classification. And it’s no coincidence.

This time, luck won’t turn against him like it did last year. He had already saved himself a difficult day on stage 7 as he had a problem with his gearbox (no reverse gear or neutral) and stopping at any point could cause serious problems. Although he damaged his shock absorber and differential when jumping over a ditch, he achieved his goal of surviving and competing in the decisive stages (9th and 10th) of his second Dakar marathon. Then, on stage 9, he attacked with all his might. Once again, you avoid the very serious problem of losing wheels.

In the first stone area, two-time Dakar champion (one by car and one by motorcycle)He suffered two punctures and was left without a spare tire. Luckily for him, it was announced a few days ago that pit stop points would be added. (tire exchange) After that complicated areabecause that’s how he can replace tires He then put on the spare wheel and continued accelerating, but then suffered another puncture.

“I had three punctures today and everyone had problems. Halfway through the special I had already had two flat tires and had to slow down. Then we saw Nasser and other players who were trying to turn, so we did the same, but we found the point,” said Nani Roma.

“Then I got another flat tire, but I managed to get there. I already knew that this morning. The next step will be important. Tomorrow we must have humility and serenity.”Roma was standing and added Became Dakar leader for the first time after returning to competition after overcoming bladder cancer (2022). Not only is Nani back, he’s back to his best level and, as he said a few days ago, he’s at his best with his driving and form. can’t believe it.

this This is the first time he has led the Dakar since 2014. At that time, he won the Dakar in a car, driving a Mini.

A few days ago, MD asked Nani whether he owed anyone anything after suffering major blows in his life in recent years, including a cancer diagnosis in 2022 and a motocross accident with his son Mark. he only believed in his work. And he did it perfectly, but this time he didn’t miss out on luck, which he said was a key factor in this race.

Continue. He knows that in stage 10, when his rivals are further back, he will logically surrender. He will have to grit his teeth to minimize losses and attack again in stage 11. He is the perfect leader. He is aiming for his third Dakar, and second in a car.