Rampant Coma reigns in Copiapo

Stage 7: Copiapó – Copiapó Road connection: 154 km – Special Stage: 143 km – Road connection: 57.72 km – Special Stage: 218 Km – Total : 574 km After yesterday´s long road connection, riders were glad to get back in the race. This first special stage in Chile was the loop around Copiapó, with two timed section separated by a neutralized section. To avoid the Camanchaca, the morning fog in the Atacama Desert between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes Mountains, the start of the race was given 150 kilometers away from the bivouac and bikes took the timed section around 10 a.m. As expected, the two leaders continue to fight for the title separated only by meters. Started second this morning, Marc Coma wins and takes two minutes on Cyril Després. David Castera announced that navigation was going to be an issue. At kilometer 289, Joan Barreda took a walk in the wrong direction and some riders behind followed him and it is possible that they have missed some way points and will take time penalties. Around 3 p.m., the helicopters of the organization were flying over the bivouac, where the finish line was placed. Marc Coma (KTM) takes the stage victory and takes 2’03’’ to Cyril Despres (KTM) while Paolo Conçalves (Husqvarna) is third, 2’49’’ in front of Helder Rodrigues, Gerard Farres, Pal Ullevalseter, David Casteu, Ruben Faria and Jordi Viladoms. Behind, Francisco López, so glad to be in his homeland, had a fall and was injured on the knee but finished 22nd. His team Aprilia team mate stopped at kilometer 18 because of a technical problem. In quads, the Patronelli brothers took back the lead, and it was Marcos who pointed first at CP2, in front of Alejandro while Maffei is far back in the standings. At the finish line, all positions were shaken and if Alejandro Patronelli confirms his victory, the second place goes to Ignacio Casale followed by Sergio La Fuente. Marcos Patronelli is far back in the 12th (provisional) position.