OPTIC 2000: 2ND STAGE LE KEF - TAMERZA
06 April 2005 - KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG

Plenty of action in the bike class as well with the first 120 km rendered extremely difficult by a combination of mud and tricky navigation.

Starting first, but stuck in the mud David Casteu (KTM 660) was quickly caught by the trio formed by the Chilean De Gavardo (KTM 450), the American Blais (KTM 660) and Cyril Despres (KTM 660), the Frenchman starting from behind to finally pull out a significant lead. Winner of the stage by more than 10 minutes over Blais, the Dakar victor now enjoys a comfortable lead after just one stage. In the 450 class it is Carlo de Gavardo who holds the advantage after Graziani (KTM) and Christophe Meillat (Honda) had problems with navigation and clogging mudguards.

Cyril Despres came from behind to win the first tunisien stage in convincing fashion 10’12 ahead of team mate Chris Blais and 15’58 in front of Carlo de Gavardo.

2nd stage result
1. Despres, KTM
2. Blais, KTM 10’12
3. De Gavardo, KTM 15’58
4. Casteu, KTM 18’07
5. Graziani, KTM 22’46
6. Grider, KTM 28’58
7. Floirac, KTM 44’16

Overall
1. Despres, KTM
2. Blais, KTM 10’00
3. De Gavardo, KTM 15’34
4. Casteu, KTM 17’42
5. Graziani, KTM 22’37
6. Grider, KTM 28’38
7. Floirac, KTM 44’16

Photograph courtesy of H Peuker

www.ktm.com

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