Monday 5 October
1st stage: Zagora – Zagora (Zagora loop)
Link sections : 133 km – Special: 330 km – Total: 463 km
For the first special of this Oilybia Morocco Rally, the competitors had to work late last night to enter all the changes to the road book, as the rains had considerably damaged the trail. Today, the mercury was close to 40 °C and was the dust that caused problems for the top riders who started down the field as the riders with the first fifteen numbers set out in reverse order. It was Olivier Pain who opened the trail but Joan 'Bang Bang' Barreda (Honda), who left in 14th place, won the special with a lead of 1’41 over Toby Price (KTM).
“Everything went well”, said Barreda,” but it took me over 60 km to overtake the guys in front because of the dust.” Dust, which is a nightmare for the motorcyclists, continued to dog them for the entire 330 km. In 3rd position we find Helder Rodrigues (Yamaha), who is smiling again, followed by Antoine Meo, recently crowned FIM Enduro 2 World Champion! “I arrived late last night and as there were lots of changes, I didn’t pay much attention to the part after the refuelling. As I wasn’t sure of my notes, I preferred to take my foot off the gas a bit, as when there was no dust there were stones.”
Pablo Quintanilla (KTM), who is in the running for the title, was a bit disappointed after the finish. “I left in 20th place this morning and overtaking was really dangerous! Tomorrow, I hope things will go better as I shall be starting in 5th”. Paulo Gonçalves (Honda) finished 6th ahead of Sam Sunderland (KTM), Matthias Walkner (KTM), Jordi Viladoms (KTM) and Olivier Pain (KTM). Sadly, Laia Sanz (KTM) had to stop at CP1 because of an electrical problem, and Alain Duclos had a problem with his fuel line after the refuelling stop. Alessandro Botturi also had to stop. In quad, Rafal Sonik won the special in 4 h 50 mins 59.
Judith Tomaselli