Dakar 2014
First stage: Rosario – San Luis
Link section: 405 km – Special: 180 km – Link section: 124 km – Total: 809 km
A special to get into the rhythm
After a long link of over 400 km, the motorcyclists set out for the first special of the 2014 Dakar on tracks that were slippery, winding and sometimes clinging to the mountainside. The temperatures were fairly high, close to 34° C in the shade of a large tree…
Predictions were rife during the past few days in Rosario, and, with a best time of 2h25’31 at the finish at San Luis, Joan Barreda proved despite a minor crash that he is very, very fast. “I had some trouble getting into the rhythm, admitted the Spaniard, and I had a little problem with the suspension that we shall fix ready for tomorrow”.
Marc Coma, back after sitting out last year’s Dakar with a shoulder injury, clocked up the second best time, 37” behind Barreda. “A first day on the Dakar is never easy, he explains. It’s complicated to arrive from Europe and find your cruising speed, but I rode sensibly and managed not to make any errors, which is important on the first day.”
Cyril Després, who came in third, also had a few problems getting into the swing of the Dakar. “This morning, when I set off, it was very emotional as it had been a difficult year for me, the Frenchman observes. Taking the decision to sign with Yamaha, working with a new team, developing the bike… and then finding myself back at the start of this great adventure!”
Behind the Honda, KTM and Yamaha, a fourth brand, Sherco, put in a very fine performance with Alain Duclos. Reigning FIM Cross Country Rallies World Champion Paulo Goncalves is currently fifth followed by Chaleco Lopez (KTM), Juan Pedrero (Sherco), Michael Metge (Yamaha) and Alessandro Botturi (Speedbrain), somewhat weakened by a nasty cold.
Communication AMADLOZI - amadlozi.blogspot.com -