KTM DAKAR. 11TH STAGE: KAYES-BAMAKO (11-01)
13 January 2006 - KTM-Sportmotorcycles AG

Is Difficult to Attack

The race restarted after the neutralization of the yesterday’s special test. To attack in this different ground of the Malian savannah is a task for specialists. Riders can ride in two close and almost parallel pists, only one being the right track. But the main problem can be the risk of the impact with an animal suddenly crossing the track. Then also to get lost for kilometres and notice it when too late is possible. In a track like the one of the today’s special test is better to defend the position, reducing at the minimum the risk of navigation mistakes. A difficult stage for Cyril Despres, that have to attack if he wants to reach his rival Marc Coma. A more comfortable position for the talented Spaniard that is leading the Dakar from the 4th stage of Zouerat.

In fact nothing changed within the 705 kilometres of the today’s, 11th stage of the Dakar. With a second position on the special test, just behind the first victory of “native” Marc Duclos, Marc Coma exploits his careful race day and increased his advantage over Cyril Depres. The gap is now over 34 minutes, three stages to go. Two Americans set a god stage, the privateer Street and KTM Red Bull team mate Chris Blais, and the only Norwegian, Pal Anders Ullevalseter that is bringing one more private KTM very near to the podium. Only the third overall, Italian Giovanni Sala, had minor problems in navigating in the dust of the rivals, and finished 13th, but without any risk for his high position.

Waiting for the next two stages, to Labhé, Guinea, and to Tambacounda, Senegal, the riders are about to face a long marathon stage. No assistance will be sent to Labhè, so all the riders will count only in their own energies. Furthermore a good reason to gently deal with tires, engines and the entire bike.

Just one year ago, January 11, 2005, in the stage between Atar and Kiffa of the 27th Dakar, we lost Fabrizio Meoni. Much more than an unforgettable Champion. I feel sad.

Rankings : 11th stage: Kayes > Bamako
Special: 231 km

Stage Results:
1. Duclos (KTM), + 03:16:40h
2. Coma (Repsol KTM), + 01:27
3. Street (KTM), + 06:39
4. Blais (Red Bull USAKTM), + 08:24
5. De Azevedo (KTM), + 09:36
6. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), + 10:04
7. Vinters (KTM), + 10:44
8. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), + 12:23
9. Despres (Gauloises KTM), + 13:04
10. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), + 13:38
11. Faria (KTM), + 14:20
12. Ullevalseter (KTM), + 15:01
13. Sala (Repsol KTM), + 15:24
14. Goncalves (HONDA), + 36:30
15. Verhoeven (YAMAHA), + 18:24
16. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), + 22:00
17. Czachor (KTM), + 22:46
18. Fretigne (YAMAHA), +23:18
19. Rivera (HKTM), + 30:06
20: Marchini (YAMAHA), + 31:55
22. Gau (Gauloises KTM), + 36:45

Overall Results:
1. Coma (Repsol KTM), 42:07:22 h
2. Despres (Gauloises KTM), 42:41:46 h, + 34:24
3. Sala (Repsol KTM), 43:14:23 h, + 01:07:01
4. Ullevalseter (KTM), 43:48:38 h, + 01:41:16 h
5. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), 43:51:14 h, + 01:43:52h, Penalty: 01.00:00 h
6. Blais (Red Bull USAKTM), 44:13:28 h, + 02:06:06 h
7. Duclos (KTM), 45:45:15 h, + 03:37:53 h
8. De Azevedo (KTM), 46:13:06 h, + 04:05:44 h
9. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), 46:14:00 h, + 04:06:38 h
10. Bethys (HONDA), 47:28:52 h, +05:21:30h
11. Vinters (KTM), 48:25:00 h, 06:17:38 h
12. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), 48:33:06 h, + 06:25:44 h, Penalty: 30:00
13. Gau (Gauloises KTM), 48:44:53 h, + 06:37:31 h
14. Czachor (YAMAHA), 49:13:12 h, +07:05:50 h
15. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), 49:18:19 h, + 07:10:57 h, Penalty: 40:00
16. Fretigne (YAMAHA), 50:36:07 h, + 08:28:45 h
17. Marchini (YAMAHA), 50:57:44 h, + 08:50:22 h, Penalty: 01:00:00h
18. Street (KTM), 51:30:46 h, + 09:23:24 h
19. Stanovnik (KTM), 51:33:28 h, + 09:26:06 h, Penalty: 30:00
20. Devedija (YAMAHA), 56:01:51 h, + 13:54:29 h

Photo Courtesy DPPI

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