5. Joan Barreda
Monster Energy Honda Team (#11)
Honda doesn’t hold back from calling Joan Barreda “currently the most talented rider on the Cross-Country Rallies scene.” There’s no question the guy is an animal;“Bang Bang” Barreda commands attention with his win-or-crash style, and has pushed through incredible odds when he had to (he completed a stage in the 2016 Dakar with a broken handlebar, riding with the left grip and clutch lever in his lap)! He may be a bit of a loose cannon, but he has demonstrated that he has the endurance and tenacity to win. Only a few months ago, Barreda visited the United States where he ironmanned the Vegas to Reno with relative ease, taking a commanding overall victory.
His speed and fortitude have led him to many stage wins in Dakar–four stage wins in 2013 and 2015, and five stage wins in 2014. But his luck has been hampered by mechanical gremlins in the last few Dakar Rallies, and the treacherous Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia seem to be his Achilles heel. If he can make it past the dreaded salt beds in decent shape, look for Barreda to make a serious bid for a long overdue victory.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONSTER ENERGY HONDA TEAM.
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