Dakar: Stage 8, Copiapó – Antofagasta

After a well-deserved rest day, competitors are back in the race with a long stage of more than 700 kilometers from Copiapó to Antofagasta. The bivouac installed in La Portada, in front of the Pacific Ocean and a soft breeze helps to calm down some souls heated by the issues at the start of the special stage in the desert.

In fact, at kilometer 11, a swamp was formed after the passage of the opening car, for which there was not a single note in the road-book or in the modifications given yesterday. Marc Coma was the first to arrive to it, and he managed to get out. Cyril Despres, Faria, Farres, Rodrigues, Ullevalseter, Conçalves and Casteu tried to go through it with some difficulties… specially Despres…

At the finish line, Marc Coma had 25 minutes over his rival, but the direction of the race decided to give back the time lost in this incident to the seven riders. Coma takes a new stage victory only 7 seconds in front of Faria, Rodrigues, Barreda, Svitko, Despres (9’14’’ from the winner) Pedrero, Casteu and Viladoms. Coma takes back the overall lead one minute over Despres.

“During the last 100 kilometers, my engine started to rattle,” tells Coma at the finish line. “I don´t know if it is because of the altitude we have crossed over the race but I slowed my pace. I tried not to lose time in the mud and I saw how others were trapped in… This is my 20th stage victory but the important thing is to win the race, not the stages…”

Cyril Despres crossed the line covered by mud. “I felt on the mud pool, and I think that the organization should take a decision because it was not on the notes from the opening car and it is not fair that because I am in front, I have to pay for this mistake,” said the French rider.

Helder Rodrigues, Cross Country Rally World Champion, was also trapped, was helped by Gerard Farres. Like Coma, at the finish, his bike didn´t work as well. Regarding Ullevalseter, it is Etienne Lavigne himself that blackened his white shirt to help him to get out.

This evening, the Jury will might deliver a decision if a rider presents a claim to the race direction.