Updates on the health of Kevin Benavides, two-time Dakar champion who is still hospitalized :: Olé

Kevin Benavides, two-time Dakar champion, remains hospitalized in Salta, in one of the most important clinics in the capital and with the necessary complexity for the treatment that the motorcyclist needs after the accident he suffered on Saturday. Yesterday, the 35-year-old man’s entourage sent a statement indicating the “reserved prognosis” of his health, and this Thursday there was no official broadcast. Yes, on the other hand, some encouraging news.

Benavides woke up better than the previous day and, something that is encouraging, he did not experience setbacks regarding his condition, which does not mean that his condition has deviated from the definition of “delicate”.

The man from Salta suffered a fracture in the left arm, in addition to multiple traumas and, the issue that is of greatest consideration, a traumatic brain injury. The only Argentine Dakar motorcycle champion was still in intensive care, but conscious.

Starting from a state that, although little by little, seems to be improving, and in response to the demands of the press – even international -, This Friday an official medical report signed by one of the authorities of the Altos de Salta sanatorium could be released, belonging to Swiss Medical, where the considered Lionel Messi of motorcycling is hospitalized. He was referred there from the San Bernardo public hospital, where Kevin was transferred on the day of the accident.

The winner of the most famous raid in the world in 2021 and 2023 He suffered an accident on his KTM motorcycle while training last Saturday at the Mantillo Mx Park circuit.located in Rocunilla Adventure Land (kilometer 1,580 on National Route 9), 4 kilometers from the former Aunor toll.

The accident site, east of the provincial capital, near Las Higuerillas, is about 15 kilometers from the hospital where Kevin was taken. Paradoxically, The owners of the place are the Benavides brothers, who inaugurated it in August 2023, and is presented as “the first motocross track open to the public in Salta.” The track was designed by Lucas de la Fuente, who also designed the Patagonia Race Track. It has a large number of slopes, variations and unevenness, it also has internal and external curves, allowing several runners to use them simultaneously.

After the severe blow that the Red Bull KTM Factory Racing rider suffered, and on the fifth day of hospitalization, the family sent a note, asking “all the media and the general public to maintain caution and respect regarding the information disseminatedsince it is a delicate situation.”

“We deeply appreciate the support and concern of all fans, fans and colleagues of the sport. We want to assure you that, as soon as we have an official medical report or any relevant information to communicate, You will be informed in a timely manner through official channels.“.

“We strongly ask the media and the general public to respect the privacy of Kevin Benavides and his family during this difficult time.”

Benavides He was preparing to run the Ruta 40 Challengelike his younger brother, Luciano, a competition that was naturally left aside, as confirmed by the Austrian team for which Kevin races, Red Bull KTM Factory Racing (maybe even for Luciano too, depending on how his brother evolves). Both had recently traveled to San Antonio de los Cobres with their team and upon returning decided to train on the new track they own.

Kevin had published a photo with his motorcycle a week ago, ahead of the race: “Looking at her #47 who is ready for @desafioruta40! I can’t wait to race in Argentina and with the best fans! There is less than a month left.”

Evidently, Benavides’ health condition worsened from the first days, since the statements in this regard pointed more to the loss of the opportunity to run the Argentine raid. which will be held from June 2 to 7 in Córdoba, San Juan and La Rioja, valid for the World Cross Country Championship (W2RC), which caused a serious condition in his health. At first, he was admitted to the San Bernardo Hospital in the capital of Salta, but this Wednesday he was transferred to a private institution.

“Obviously, this is a big setback for Kevin, made even worse by the fact that it arrives just before his home race in Argentina. Training for the upcoming Desafío Ruta 40 had gone very well, with the entire team working hard in the run-up to the event,” said Andreas Hölzl, KTM Team Director, in Carburando.

And he concluded: “Fortunately, his injuries are not too serious and, although they are still monitoring him closely, It’s getting better day by day. It is unclear how long Kevin will be out of action, but everyone at Red Bull KTM is behind him and wants to see him back with the team soon.”

Then the statement was released, expressing what was stated above, but pointing to a much more delicate situation.

Last year, after winning the Dakar, Benavides suffered a fractured femur in the run-up to Abu Dhabi (second date of the World Cup) and also missed the Ruta 40 Challenge due to the recovery times he went through. Then, during the same year, he fractured a fibula, but in an amazing recovery he made it to the 2024 Dakar, he raced and even won a stage, finishing fourth overall.