Dakar 2014
Sunday 12 January 2014
Seventh stage: Salta - Uyuni
Link: 334 km – Special: 232 km – Neutralisation: 8 km – Special 161 km - Link: 33 km – Total: 768 km
The rest day was a welcome respite for the motorcyclists who after a gruelling first week under the scorching sun that had been bearing down on the north of Argentina. Unfortunately, it was not very festive as a storm broke over Salta around lunch time followed by intermittent heavy rain until late into the night.
The motorcyclists set out this morning at 4h30 to make their way into Bolivia over a pass at 4800 m where the temperatures were close to zero! As the terrain was gullied by the rains, the Special was declared at the CP at km103, close to La Quiaca, where the riders had to take a 15’ neutralisation for the customs formalities. Alain Duclos (Sherco), who won the Special in the stage before the rest day, set off in front but bore too far west towards the km20. At km37, Jeremias Israel (Speedbrain) moved into the lead ahead of Després (Yamaha), Rodrigues (Honda), Przysgonski (KTM) and Coma (KTM). Svitko (KTM) had mechanical trouble that put an end to his day at km 65...
At the finish, Joan Barreda won the Special with a lead of 4'03 over Coma and 5'35 over Després. Pedrero came 4th followed by Przygonski, Israel, Rodrigues, Patrao, Pain, who changed his engine yesterday giving him a 15’ penalty, and Viladoms. Laia Sanz took a fine 12th place ahead of Gouet, Salvatierra and Casteu. Metge came 17th in the Special and took a 5’ penalty for losing his card before the finish at Salta. Duclos came in a disappointing 21th, losing his spot on the provisional podium to Viladoms.
In quad, Casale won in Bolivia ahead of Huseini, Lafuente and Sonik.
This evening, the motorcyclists will be spending the night in a Bolivian barracks under marathon conditions, that is without assistance.
Communication AMADLOZI - amadlozi.blogspot.com