DAKAR 2005: 4TH STAGE RABAT - AGADIR
03 January 2005 - KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG

Where in the world are they driving? This was the question of todaybecause nothing was to be seen of the pilots on their two wheels. Africain fog!

Although, the drivers were heading towards Agadir, the special
was cancelled by the organizers. The reasons: The helicopters of the
stewards were incapable of taking off. The safety of the drivers was
therefore not guaranteed anymore. Additionally, the A.S.O. claimed that
the stage would not be proceeded under legitimate conditions. That is
why the drivers were asked to not speed along the course. After the
first checkpoint, the drivers left the race track and are currently
riding the 500 km to Agadir on asphalt.

So, there is not going to be a fight for the lead within KTM- factory
pilots today. But the KTM assistance team will have to fight a hard
battle. Many private KTM pilots have had problems with the batteries of
their bikes since the beginning of the rally. The defects are all of
different natures but are mostly concerning the 450 bikes. The
technicians haven''t found the cause for the damage of battery after
battery. However, KTM is working feverish in order to provide the
service the private drivers are used to. ''It means a lot to us to solve
this problem as quickly as possible.'', promises KTM team manager Hans
Trunkenpolz. ''Yesterday, the attempt to send one of our electronics
engineers from Mattighofen to Rabat failed. He was delayed at the
airport in Munich because his tools and some spare parts didn''t make it
through the security check. Meanwhile, the man is on his way to Agadir.
Additionally, there is a plane with new batteries and regulators on its
way there. The factory teams also provide the amateurs with their
equipment until the problem is solved.'' Thus, there will be a lot of
work in the bivouac in Agadir tonight.

Last but not least, some good news: The American Dakar newcomer Chris
Blais, team KTM Red Bull USA, celebrates his 24th birthday today. Happy
Birthday!

Hopefully, the motorcyclists will have a clear view again tomorrow. The
first long special is up next. 381 km will be judged on the way from
Agadir to Smara. The course is initially hard and fast but will then be
very stony and in the second section be quite winding. The second part
is completely new and ends in a tried out river valley. Thus, the old
hands will have little chance to bring to bear their experience. An
exciting day if the weather gods are in favour of the rally. ...

www.ktm.com

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