2nd stage: Resistencia - San Miguel de Tucuman
Link section: 528 km - Special: 275 km - Total: 803 km
This time, the 2917 Dakar really got under way with a 275 km special. The trail was opened by the winner of the first special in Paraguay yesterday, Juan Pedrero (Sherco). For the first time in the history of the Dakar since it moved to South America, the competitors are discovering the Chaco region of Argentina, with its dust… and its mud, as the weather these past few days was not exactly dry. The heat wave in the North of the country continues and the mercury was flirting with 45°C. The air was a little less humid than yesterday but this heat was a real test for some of the privateers who had a hard time finishing the special.
At the front of the field, Matthias Walkner (KTM) looked set to win the stage with a lead of 29 seconds over Paolo Gonçalves (Honda)… but last year’s winner, the incredible Australian Toby Price sporting number 1, had other ideas. In this special, he showed his mettle and took all before him, winning with a lead of 3’22 over team mate Matthias Walkner! It was a magnificent performance by the friendly KTM rider, taking him straight to the top of the leader board. For Matthias Walkner the day ended on a sour note as he lost his card and took a 5’ penalty.
Behind the three leaders, Xavier de Soultrait is the first Yamaha rider. He again demonstrated his regularity by taking 4th place, ahead of Sam Sunderland (KTM). Reigning FIM Cross Country Rallies World Champion Pablo Quintanilla came in 6th followed by Par Stefan Svitko (KTM), Ricky Brabec (Honda), Alessandro Botturi (Yamaha) and Joan Barreda (Honda), who narrowly avoided hitting an cow and decided to take something of a backseat over the last kilometres. Michael Metge (Honda), who set off in second, did his job as water carrier, waiting for his team leaders to catch up.
Judith Tomaselli