Unlike the auto category where the Qatari Nasser Al-Attiyah dominates outrageously, the intense struggle continues in the motorcycle category of the Dakar rally. Five pilots are held, in fact, in less than 10 minutes. Two days from the finish, the French Adrien Van Beveren (Yamaha) took the lead in the general classification following the 10th stage (Wadi Ad Dawasir – Bisha, 759 km including 375 km of special) won this Wednesday by the Australian Toby Price (KTM).
In a race marked by major navigation errors and the retirement due to mechanical breakdown of the reigning champion, the Argentinian Kevin Benavides (KTM), Van Beveren avoided the obstacles by finishing in 3rd place. The previous leader of the general, the Austrian Matthias Walkner (KTM), got lost in the Saudi desert by conceding 15 minutes to the winner of the day, Toby Price. Bad operation also for Sam Sunderland (Gas Gas), who lost eleven minutes on the winner of the day.
In the general classification, Adrien Van Beveren, triple winner of the Enduropale du Touquet but never crowned on the Dakar, now has 4 minutes and 15 seconds ahead of his runner-up, the Chilean Pablo Quintanilla (Honda), and 5 minutes and 59 seconds on his brother-in-law (his sister’s companion), the Briton Sam Sunderland. Thursday’s stage (Bisha – Bisha) with 346 km of special will undoubtedly be decisive because the last stage (Bisha – Jeddah) on Friday will be the shortest of the competition (164 km of special).
