DAKAR 2 016
14 January 2016
11th Stage: La Rioja – San Juan (Argentina)
Special: 431 km – Link section: 281 km – Total: 712 km
This 11th Special was virtually the last chance for the riders to impact the rankings but once again it was abbreviated at WP4 (km 396). Honda lost their top rider Gonçalves, who had finally taken a 50 minute penalty yesterday in the official overall rankings. He lost consciousness after a crash and had to be transported by helicopter. Fortunately he has no broken bones but the Dakar is over for him. “That’s racing, that’s the Dakar”, says HRC Rallye Raid Technical Director Iwano. “We have to take the knocks and will keep working to make the bike more reliable.”
The Special again took place in a fiery furnace over complex terrain made up of fesh fesh but with a fast section over gravel or pebbles. At the finish, Antoine Meo (KTM) couldn’t believe he had won another stage: “It’s amazing. I never expected to do so well. I caught up with Paulo Gonçalves before he crashed. It’s a pity because he’d managed to get cracking again after his misfortunes two days ago. I am obviously very happy with my Dakar so far, as I am on the third step of the podium! The navigation was complicated today and many riders make mistakes. I was able to take advantage, although on just one occasion it went too fast for me and I missed a square in the road book. I returned to the point before and realised I was on the right track. That’s part of the learning curve!”
With a 35’ lead over Stafan Vitko in the overall rankings, Toby Price (KTM), only needs to keep focused and manage his lead. He nevertheless came second behind Pablo Quintanilla (Husqvarna), who was fighting it out with Antoine Meo (KTM) during much of the special and was going well before he started having problems with the rear wheel after a crash. It was a good outing for Helder Rodrigues (Yamaha) who finished in 4th followed by Van Beveren (Yamaha), Benavides, Svitko (KTM), Blythe from the USA, Viladoms (KTM) and Farres (KTM). With just two stages to go, Price is looking unstoppable but it isn’t over till it’s over!
Judith Tomaselli