8th stage: Uyuni (Bolivia) - Salta (Argentina) - Chilecito
Link section: 400 km - Special: 492 km – Link section 330 km – Link section: 675 km - Total: 1897 km
Since the Dakar entered Bolivia, Pachamama (Mother Earth) has hurled all the water in the sky down on the dry land, parched by drought. But while the torrential rains may be a blessing for the country and its inhabitants, they destroy the trails in unimaginable ways and swell the rivers which become unfordable for the riders.
On Monday, the first leg of the marathon stage La Paz - Uyuni was abridged for this reason, as was the beginning of the second leg Uyuni - Salta. The motorcycle contingent took a prudent approach and the provisional leader board has barely changed. Sunderland (KTM) is still in top spot ahead of Quintanilla (Husqvarna) and Van Beveren (Yamaha). Walkner has moved up to 4th place ahead of Farres (KTM), who slipped into 5th position. Gonçalves (Honda) has moved up to 8th place followed by Barreda (Honda), who won the special the day before.
On Tuesday, after the second part of the special, the participants entered Argentina by the Quebrada di Humahuaca but the clerk of the weather still had more turbulence in store and, 150 km from the finish in Salta, the entire Dakar caravan (assistance teams and participants) was blocked at Tilcara, where a lake of mud had swept away the houses of the village de Volcàn de Lodo that had grown up along the road. There was a long wait before the organisers let the 4x4s and 6x6s leave on a trail via San Antonio de Los Cobres. All the 4x2 vehicles (some trucks, trailers and mobile homes) had to stay in Tilcara and wait for the road to be reopened. Later in the afternoon, the competitors were allowed to do their assistance at Tilcara and even to sleep in situ.
The Dakar was therefore split up yesterday evening, with one group in Salta and another in Tilcara. The Super Belen Special scheduled for Wednesday was called off and everyone set out for Chilecito some 675 km from Salta.
Judith Tomaselli