Dakar 2012 Stage 5 - Another stage win for Despres
In the bleak weather conditions that caused the day's 265km special stage to be shortened, Cyril Despres racked up his 28th stage victory and increased his lead over fellow KTM rider, Marc Coma, in the general standings. As the rally progresses, the competition are struggling to keep up with the two champions.
The bad weather conditions that forced the organisers to shorten the day's special also prevented Despres from making a genuine breakaway in the dunes near Fiambala. However, he was able to add 1'41" to his lead over Coma, by triumphing after 185 kilometres of tracks and river beds which he mostly tackled just behind his rival. In the general standings, the distance of 9'50" at which the title holder finds himself is not an insurmountable obstacle, bearing in mind that Coma is capable of resounding feats.
"Today was easier for me, because I set off behind him [Coma]," Despres said. "Perhaps tomorrow, it will be the opposite. I've got a lead over him and it's a fairly comfortable cushion. Mind you, it can disappear quickly, so I need to keep the same state of mind and the same amount of concentration."
Behind the leading duo, the gap is growing every day. Frans Verhoeven (Sherco SR 450), who had managed to stay at a pace almost comparable to the two leading men, only lasted around fifty kilometres on Stage 5 before stopping due to mechanical problems. The Dutchman was able to resume the race, but the time lost has probably damaged his objective of a Top 5 finish. Portugal's Helder Rodrigues (Yamaha WRF 450) remains the most regular pursuer, but is still 47 minutes behind. Having managed to hang in there after a catastrophic stage yesterday, Joan Barreda (Husqvarna Rally 450 RR) achieved the day's 3rd best time. Stefan Svitko (KTM 450RR) also put in a strong ride, finishing 4th on the shortened special stage, 13'05" behind Despres.
After most were hit with time penalties on Stage 4, the Aussies were behind the eight ball at the start of Stage 5. The day was always going to be tough, but dealt its cruellest blow to Rod Faggotter (Husaberg FE450), who blew an engine a little over halfway through the Special Stage. Faggotter had been the leading Aussie to that point, but is now out of the Dakar. Dean Nuttall (KTM 450 Replica) is now the new leader amongst the locals in 41st place, followed by David Schwarz (Husaberg FE 450) in 58th, and Jamie Chittick (Honda CRF 450X) in 79th overall. Mark Davidson (KTM 450 Rallye Replica) and Craig Tarlington (KTM 450 Rally) had not been classified as Stage 5 finishers at time of publication.
In the quad category, there was a third consecutive Argentine victory on Stage 5. Marcos Patronelli, winer of the rally in 2010, beat his brother Alejandro, the title holder, by less than two minutes and Tomas Maffei by 4'08". Only Lucas Bonetto got anywhere near the leading trio, but finished the day's special stage 26'41" behind. In the general standings, the three Argentine riders are all alone out in front. Unless there are major mishaps, which is always a possibility on the Dakar, the quad title will likely go the way of Maffei, today leader by 35 seconds, or one of the Patronelli brothers.
UPDATE: due to heavy snow and extreme weather in the region from Fiambala to Copiapo, Stage 6 has been cancelled. All participants will travel in convoy to Copiapo, rather than take part in the day's Special Stage.
Full results and further details at www.dakar.com
Images: Dakar.com
