Dakar Diary Part 2 - Team Red Bull KTM Reports from Africa

January 14, 2006

Stage 14 - Tambacounda to Dakar
Total distance - 634km - Transfer 107km - Special test 254km - Liaison 273km

Story by Scott Cox Photos by DPPI

Chris Blais

"Finally, I made it all the way to Dakar safe and sound. I'm so happy right now!" exclaimed an elated Chris Blais #9 from the comfort of his Dakar, Senegal hotel. "There's nothing like coming off the trail and seeing this place. It was such a relief. Today my goal was to get to Dakar and maintain my position. There was a lot of confusion on the course and most riders were not navigating very well at all. There was a lot of confusion out there. Despres lost a lot of time because of this and Gio Sala, who started the day ahead of me by over 20 minutes, fell off the pace quite a bit. He ended up in 50th place but he's still just over 6 minutes ahead of me. Looks like he'll be 3rd on the podium tomorrow."

Street Signs - Among the tactics that Blais credits his strong 6th place stage 14 finish with is partnering with fellow American, Jonah Street on this last timed portion of the 2006 Dakar. "Jonah and I saw what was happening early in the special test and realized that our best move was to ride together and try to keep each other on course. We scouted around for a while and carefully retraced the route. Eventually, we got back on course, picked up the waypoint and immediately saw a pair of tracks which turned out to belong to Fretigne and Coma. After that we just gassed it to Dakar."

After 15 days of competition [one day of rest last Sunday] Blais relishes thoughts of hot showers, soft mattresses and the creature comforts we all take for granted. Thoughts of seeing his wife Patty again and boarding a plane for California Monday morning are still a dream. But for now, this California Kid will have to make due with tomorrow's ceremonial parade lap around Lac Rose and a healthy dose of post-Dakar partying.

Doctor's Orders - "Doc [Dr. Jonathan Edwards, US team physician] just bought me a hamburger and fries and I can't explain how good it tasted to me. I craved a burger for so many days and he came through for me, again."

"Everything went great for me during this rally," reflected Blais. "My mechanic Matt Spencer kept my KTM [660 Rallye] going perfectly every day and the entire Red Bull KTM US Dakar team really pulled together to make my finish possible. We have a fantastic team and everyone was responsible for me being here now."

With his second Dakar Rally behind him, Blais joins a rare fraternity of off-road racers tough enough and smart enough to stay focused for the entire event. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of motorcyclists are capable of a few days of Dakar intense racing just a handful possess what it takes to do . Not only has the 25-year-old completed both of attempts at the mother of all endurance events, he's finished both of them within the top 10. Most Dakar entrants would give an arm and a leg to say they'd ridden, and survived, every stage of the Dakar. This should serve as solid proof that Blais' 9th place finish a year ago was no fluke and a manifestation of things to come.

Joe Barker - Red Bull KTM US Dakar Team Manager - "What a relief! We're finally in Dakar! Chris has arrived safely and he's solidly in 4th place overall. [Giovanni] Sala is still about 6 and a 1/2 minutes ahead of Chris but how can begrudge a warrior like Gio from standing on the podium in Dakar? Thanks to our great sponsors Red Bull, KTM, Repsol, Michelin and others, our dream of putting an American on the podium in Dakar is closer than ever before. Can't wait until next year but now it's time to celebrate!"

Stage Fright - Today started with substantial difficulties for Dakar's long running veterans, not the least of whom was 2005 defending champ, Cyril Despres #1. Miscues and bad judgment resulted in him struggling to stay on course and losing time to front running heir apparent Marc Coma of the Repsol KTM team.

From www.dakar.com - Yet, navigation difficulties were very real. Especially between CP1 and CP2, where the bike and car classes both had their own difficult moments. The first came 30 kilometers after CP1 when Cyril Despres turned in circles for some 20-minutes. But not Coma nor the others; Blais, Street and Sala for example, who where collectively charged to "make the track.

Cyril Despres #1 (43rd overall in stage 14) - "I had another difficult day in terms of navigation. But my Mum taught me to say "I don't like spinach" instead of "Spinach is not good". So I will say that I don't like this road book. Everyting went well until CP1 where I took the wrong track at the exit of a village. It took me 10 kilometers to realize I was not on the good way. I should have made a U-turn, I preferred to look for an off-road short cut, not to lose too much time. I agree navigation has to be difficult, but today, it was a bit too much. There were riders everywhere and I almost crashed into riders hidden in the dust or coming the other way. It is a pity since today's stage was beautiful. At last, I easily forgot it thanks to the tribute to Fabrizio [Meoni]. It is wonderful what his association is doing here."

From www.ktmpress.com - American Chris Blais also make a great job. Due to his sixth place of the today's special test, the RedBull KTM exponent is now knocking on the podium, only seven minutes outside... Today the Dakar met the soul of Fabrizio Meoni, and passed on the terrain assigned by the government to host a new centre of arts and crafts entitled to the unforgettable Champion. There the riders also met the nearest Fabrizio's friends. The trace of a heart was also included in the race track, as a part of the road.

Stage 14 Rankings / Special test: 254 km

Stage Results:
1. Fretigne (YAMAHA), 03:16:59h
2. Coma (Repsol KTM), + 00:33
3. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), + 16:59
4. Vinters (KTM), + 22:57
5. Verhoeven (YAMAHA), + 23:54
6. Blais (Red Bull USA KTM), + 24:37
7. Knuiman (YAMAHA), + 27:01
8. Varga (KTM), + 27:09
9. Floirac (KTM), + 27:09
10. Lazard (KTM), + 30:08
11. Embro (KTM), + 30:56
12. Rivera (KTM), + 31:08
13. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), + 31:18
14. Czachor (KTM), + 31:19
15. Mora Busquets (YAMAHA), + 31:33
16. Lepan (KTM), + 31:47
17. Bonjean (HONDA); + 31:47
18. Mengus (KTM), + 31:52
19. Ullevalseter (KTM), + 31:57
20. Bethys (HONDA), + 32:42
22. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), + 33:04
31. Gau (Gauloises KTM), + 36:38
43. Despres (Gauloises KTM), + 42:46
50. Sala (Repsol KTM), + 49:41

Overall Results:
1. Coma (Repsol KTM), 55:27:17 h
2. Despres (Gauloises KTM), 56:40:46 h, + 01:13:29 h
3. Sala (Repsol KTM), 53:50:25 h, + 02:29:48 h
4. Blais (Red Bull USAKTM), 58:03:35 h, + 02:36:18 h
5. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), 58:50:04 h, + 03:22:47 h, Penalty: 01.00:00 h
6. Ullevalseter (KTM), 59:22:09 h, + 03:54:52 h
7. Duclos (KTM), 60:11:13 h, + 04:43:56 h
8. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), 61:43:38 h, + 06:16:21 h
9. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), 62:21:58 h, + 06:54:41 h, Penalty: 02:00:00 h
10. Vinters (KTM), 63:20:31 h, + 07:53:14 h
11. Gau (Gauloises KTM), 63:21:22 h, + 07:54:05 h
12. Knuiman (YAMAHA), 63:56:44 h, + 08:29:27 h
13. Fretigne (YAMAHA), 64:13:13 h, + 08:45:56 h
14. Czachor (YAMAHA), 64:14:11 h, +08:46:54 h
15. Algay (YAMAHA), 64:15:25 h, + 08:48:08 h
16. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), 64:41:44 h, + 09:14:27 h, Penalty: 30:00
17. Street (KTM), 65:30:08 h, + 10:02:51 h
18. Bethys (HONDA), 65:37:18 h, +10:10:01 h
19. Marchini (YAMAHA), 66:29:17 h, + 11:02:00 h, Penalty: 02:00:00 h

Sala Rules the Day - Blais Hangs Tough in Fourth Overall

January 13, 2006

Stage 13 - Lab to Tambacounda
Total distance 567km - 7km transfer - Special test 348km - Liaison stage 212km

Story by Scott Cox. Photos by DPPI

Chris Blais and the Red Bull KTM US Dakar team would like to extend congratulations to Giovanni "Gio" Sala for a heroic ride and his first ever Dakar stage win today. Starting from the 20th position, this journeyman of the rally circuit and multi-time Enduro champion proved that he had what it takes to run hard when the going is very tough.

From www.dakar.com - Giovanni Sala (ITA KTM 1st)
"I am very happy about this victory. Todays stage was very fast and dangerous, with many holes. So, I avoided taking too many risks. Then, in the mountains, it looked like an enduro course. And enduro is my business (laugh). When I reached the refueling, I saw that Blais was already there and I worried a bit. So, I attacked as much as possible until the end to protect my third place in the overall ranking."

"Sala was on a mission today, that's for sure!" observed an elated Chris Blais #9 at the finish of Stage 13's very technical slippery, rock and obstacle strewn 'piste'. "I got a glimpse of his eyes at the fuel stop 210km in and he looked possessed. It was definitely his day."

"Gio is the nicest guy in the world but he gave me a look like he wasn't gonna let some punk kid -like me- beat him. So I just said to myself, "let him go! He rides so fast. He was like no other enduro rider I've every seen. Incredible!"

Blais reported further that today was super technical and filled with opportunities for failure. One false move and its over with.

"For sure, this was a stage that could easily have ended the rally for me or anyone. It was full of tricky mountain passes and endless villages, which often contain speed traps that we have to be very careful about. The climbs and passes were sort of like running the Baja 1000 and heading up to Mike's [Sky Rancho - a famous Baja racing destination]. But today I wanted to have a perfectly clean ride with everything working and I did. It was perfect."

As has been the case each day of the rally, adjustments to the roadbook and extra attention to danger situations have been a big part of Blais' strategy. Due to severe weather and the effect this has had on the terrain, it's vital that front runners, such as Blais, take extra care in nightly pre-ride prep and planning.

"I corrected over 8 pages of the [road] book last night. Focusing on dangers and "double dangers" is necessary because of the weather they have had down here since the roadbooks were laid out in 2005. There are gnarly rain ruts and problems that you cannot ignore."

Blais' only other major concern has been his IRItrack which the rally organization require be installed on his KTM. It provides telemetry and GPS monitoring useful for scoring and, when necessary, a measure of safeguarding.

"Two guys are reinstalling my IRI-track right now," said Blais. "They've been working on it almost every day because of problems in tracking the race. It's a lot of hardware and wires, just hope they get it fixed right."

Red Bull KTM Team manager, Joe Barker, equated the day to an ISDE (International Six Days Enduro) stage - "It was rough out there and Chris just kept his head and rode safely, rather than trying to beat everyone. This was a marathon stage and any little situation could have been disastrous if he wasn't cool and calm. He's a very smart rider and each day he gives us another glimpse of how good he is."

Funny Stuff From Blais - "Today the helicopter was following, and I knew they were rolling video but I really had to pee. Real bad. But I did not want to pee on camera. After a while I just said "Oh the hell with it, I gotta go!" so I pulled over and did my thing. Last year, I would have just let go in my pants but not today. You try to hold it, you try to talk yourself out of having to go but it plays with your head and eventually you gotta give in."

Congratulations to American Jonah Street for continuing to prove himself as a future star of the Dakar - (from www.dakar.com) - Jonah Street (USA - KTM - 5th) "Another good day for me on a stage even faster than yesterdays, but sometimes a bit dangerous. I stopped when I saw Azevedo on the ground and stayed with him for about five minutes. Except a tiny mistake, I have been almost perfect in navigation. Actually, I improve every day. For me, the rally should last one more week to enter the top 10."

Rankings - Special: 348 km

Stage Results:
1. Sala (Repsol KTM), 05:03:49h
2. Despres (Gauloises KTM), + 03:12
3. Duclos (KTM), + 03:32
4. Coma (Repsol KTM), + 04:35
5. Street (KTM), + 06:28
6. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), + 08:05
7. Fretigne (YAMAHA), +08:07
8. Blais (Red Bull USA KTM), + 09:59
9. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), + 11:15
10. Goncalves (HONDA), + 12:40
11. Gau (Gauloises KTM), + 16:09
12. AgraCarrera (YAMAHA), + 16:17
13. Marchini (YAMAHA), + 17:04
14. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), + 20:05
15. Ullevalseter (KTM), + 23:14
16. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), + 27:56
17. Algay (YAMAHA), + 28:59
18. Faria (KTM), + 32:03
19. Verhoeven (YAMAHA), + 34:17
20. Bethys (HONDA), + 38:49

Overall Results:
1. Coma (Repsol KTM), 52:09:45 h
2. Despres (Gauloises KTM), 52:41:01 h, + 31:16
3. Sala (Repsol KTM), 53:50:25 h, + 01:40:40 h
4. Blais (Red Bull USAKTM), 54:21:59 h, + 02:12:14 h
5. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), 55:00:01 h, + 02:50:16 h, Penalty: 01.00:00 h
6. Ullevalseter (KTM), 55:33:13 h, + 03:23:28 h
7. Duclos (KTM), 56:07:17 h, + 03:57:32 h
8. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), 57:55:21 h, + 05:45:36 h
9. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), 58:28:53 h, + 06:19:08 h, Penalty: 02:00:00 h
10. Gau (Gauloises KTM), 59:27:45 h, + 07:18:00 h
11. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), 59:31:01 h, 07:21:16 h, Penalty: 40:00
12. Vinters (KTM), 59:40:35 h, + 07:30:50 h
13. Knuiman (YAMAHA), 60:12:44 h, + 08:02:59 h
14. Algay (YAMAHA), 60:17:49 h, + 08:08:04 h
15. Czachor (YAMAHA), 60:25:53 h, +08:16:08 h
16. Fretigne (YAMAHA), 60:56:14 h, + 08:46:29 h
17. Street (KTM), 61:40:00 h, + 09:30:15 h
18. Bethys (HONDA), 61:47:37 h, +09:37:52 h
19. Marchini (YAMAHA), 62:33:38 h, + 10:23:53 h, Penalty: 02:00:00 h
20. AgraCarrera (YAMAHA), 63:12:50 h, + 11:03:05 h, Penalty: 13:00 h

Blais Goes for Guinea - Third Today, Fourth Overall

January 12, 2006

Stage 12 - Bamako, Mali to Labé, GuineaTotal distance - 872km - 197 transfer - 368km special test - 307 liaison stage

Story by Scott Cox - Photos DPPI

Like the saying goes, "In order to finish first, one must first finish!" and such is the strategy being played out in Africa by Red Bull KTM's Chris Blais #9. Wise beyond his years, the easy going 25-year-old California desert racer is impressing rally veterans by continuing to outwit and outlast the best rally riders on earth. Call him "Mr. Consistency."

Since leaving Lisbon, Portugal on December 31st, Blais has survived an onslaught of extreme weather, brutal terrain, navigational and challenges that the bulk of his rivals have succumbed to. Rally racing is not for the feint of heart and with his string of excellent daily finishes, including a 2nd in stage 8 and today's stage 12 3rd place finish, Blais is paving the way for a brilliant arrival in Dakar on Saturday.

Chris Blais - 3rd today / 4th OA
"I rode at my pace, without taking risks. But I fell twice—that usually never happens to me. The first fall was a little one at very low speed and the second one I slipped on the side of the road, but without any serious consequences. I am now 4th overall."

Joe Barker, Red Bull KTM US Dakar Team Manager - "It is definitely another world, here in Guinea, a lot different from the earlier stages. We're out of the dunes and its very green and lush here. Despite today's very long stage, Chris continues to do an awesome job of staying focused and riding smart. He is really impressing people, in fact the entire team is doing a wonderful job. We finally have a light at the end of the tunnel. Just gotta keep going."

American off-roader Jonah Street, aboard a privateer 525 KTM narrowly missed out on becoming a member of Blais' Red Bull KTM US Dakar team.

Jonah Street - 5th today / 20th OA
"It's another good day for me after yesterday's good result. I really appreciate this kind of track, with dust and holes. But my bike can't compare to the leaders'. When Coma overtook me, I couldn't stay in touch. Tonight, I am in the Top 20. It's great but is very far from my original goal. I thought I could be in the top 10, but I made big mistakes in Morocco, I missed some waypoints in Mauritania, but, above all I was really penalized by my lack of speed."

From www.dakar.com

Stage 12 of the Euromilhoes Dakar 2006 took the competitors from Mali and its capital Bamako to Guinea and the city of Lab. On the 369kms of timed special, Cyril Despres captured his fourth success so far, only gaining over a minute on Marc Coma.

After his upsets on Mauritanian soil suffering a severe crash on his way to Zouerat, Cyril Despres will certainly have the satisfaction not to have withdrawn from the rally. The courageous Frenchman clinched a fourth success on this 28th edition. On his way to a 14th stage win on a Dakar, Cyril Despres beat his main rival Marc Coma by only 1'45". A tiny advantage for Despres considering his time deficit overall: now 32'39".

But the day was very eventful when it came to the following positions of the leaderboard. Fourth before the start this morning, Pal Anders Ullevalseter struggled and crossed the finish line losing 1h25'. The Norwegian drops down to sixth spot of the race, over 3 hours adrift. It was also a bad day for Carlo De Gavardo, suffering mechanical problems after crossing a river. Water in the engine of the Chilean's KTM forced him to lose over 44min. De Gavardo keeps his fifth spot overall but sees Chris Blais pass him and move up to fourth position. The American who had claimed fourth place of yesterday's special did even better today, finishing third, 2'29" adrift. Blais, 25-years-of age looks to be headed to an excellent fourth spot in Dakar after capturing 9th spot last year for his first Dakar. He could even do better: he is indeed 21'35" behind Giovanni Sala, third.

Rankings: Special: 368 km

Stage Results:
1. Despres (Gauloises KTM)
2. Coma (Repsol KTM), + 01:45
3. Blais (Red Bull USA KTM), + 02:29
4. De Azevedo (KTM), + 03:01
5. Street (KTM), + 06:43
6. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), + 07:35
7. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), + 08:34
8. Goncalves (HONDA), + 11:51
9. Vinters (KTM), + 15:31
10. Fretigne (YAMAHA), +15:57
11. Duclos (KTM), + 22:27
12. Marchini (YAMAHA), + 22:47
13. AgraCarrera (YAMAHA), + 27:37
14. Verhoeven (YAMAHA), + 29:19
15. Gau (Gauloises KTM), + 30:40
16. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), + 31:31
17. Algay (YAMAHA), + 31:53
18. Czachor (KTM), + 32:52
19. Knuiman (YAMAHA), + 37:50
20. Rivera (HKTM), + 39:43
21. Sala (Repsol KTM), + 39:59
22. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), + 44:48

Overall Results:
1. Coma (Repsol KTM), 47:01:21 h
2. Despres (Gauloises KTM), 47:34:00 h, + 32:39
3. Sala (Repsol KTM), 48:46:36 h, + 01:45:15 h
4. Blais (Red Bull USA KTM), 49:08:11 h, + 02:06:50h
5. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), 49:28:16 h, + 02:26:55 h, Penalty: 01.00:00 h
6. Duclos (KTM), 50:59:56 h, + 03:58:35 h
7. De Azevedo (KTM), 51:08:21 h, + 04:07:00 h
8. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), 51:13:49 h, + 04:12:28 h
9. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), 52:31:27 h, + 05:30:06 h
10. Vinters (KTM), 53:32:45 h, 06:31:24 h
11. Gau (Gauloises KTM), 54:07:47 h, + 07:06:26 h
12. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), 54:19:07 h, + 07:17:46 h, Penalty: 40:00
13. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), 54:21:49 h, + 07:20:28 h, Penalty: 30:00
14. Knuiman (YAMAHA), 54:28:16 h, + 07:26:55 h
15. Czachor (YAMAHA), 54:38:18 h, +07:36:57 h
16. Algay (YAMAHA), 54:45:01 h, + 07:43:40 h
17. Fretigne (YAMAHA), 55:44:18 h, + 08:42:57 h
18. Marchini (YAMAHA), 56:12:45 h, + 09:11:24 h, Penalty: 01:00:00h
19. Street (KTM), 56:29:43 h, + 09:28:22 h
20. Stanovnik (KTM), 57:14:40 h, + 10:13:19 h, Penalty: 30:00

Back to Bamako

January 11, 2006

Stage 11 - Kayes to Bamako
Total distance: 705km - transfer 50km - Special test 231km - liaison 424km

Report by Scott Cox - Photography by DPPI

Chris Blais prepares

After a day of riding and reflection in honor of fallen rider, Andy Caldecott #10, the Dakar field was back in action on the challenging terrain of Mali. For Red Bull KTM pilot, Chris Blais #9, the scene reminded him of riding much closer to home, in Baja California. The mix of vegetation twisty roads, huts, people and animals gave the day a Baja feel.

The weather now is considerably warmer than the colder scene further north in Morocco and with so many days in the saddle, keeping things moving in the right direction - whether mechanical or physical - becomes more and more difficult with each passing kilometer.

Repsol Boss Jordi Arillia - The man responsible for substantial support of Blais and the Red Bull KTM team is Jordi Arillia. Today he took a few minutes to explain what drives REPSOL efforts in the Dakar.

"Repsol loves the rally and working through difficult challenges as a team. It is our goal to build partnership to develop teams such as our Repsol Junior Team as well as with Chris Blais and the Red Bull KTM team," said Arillia.

When asked why Repsol chose to associate with the America team he explains "We were first approached by Heinz Kinigadner about a colaboration and we recognized a good fit. We've known Joe Barker from previous Dakar's and we like the America style, too."

Since the beginning of the 2006 Dakar Rally, Repsol team manager, Jordi Arcarons has been a guiding light for both the Repsol Jr team as well as the Red Bull KTM team. Thus far, his help has been invaluable.

"Jordi has many years of competing in the Dakar and his knowledge of this form of racing is invaluable," said Red Bull KTM's Joe Barker. "Each night he works with Chris to foresee the dangers, edit the roadbook and prepare for the next stage. He is a wonderful friend to all of us and we have developed a very strong bond. Just like family."

"After so many years in Africa, Jordi Arcarons knows more about the people, the land and the situation better than his own home. It is his home." Insists Arillia. It is our hope to continue to build a relationship with Chris Blais and the American team. And the only way that an American rider will make it to the winners podium is with more experience, more training. We hope to be part of that success."

More Than Racing - "Rally is important to Repsol and I know that after a disaster such as Andy's death this week, it is hard for some to understand," said Arillia. "Yesterday I was back in Spain and when you are away it is easy to find fault with such danger. However, when you are here in Africa, in the bivouac with the riders and teams, with almost 2000 people together you realize that the Dakar is much more than just racing. It is one of the last true adventures in the world!"

Tomorrow - Stage 12 - First bikes off the line about 3:40am. Blais will rise at 2am head to bivouac. His kit is already packed for action and he'll need every bit of preparation to see him through a long 14+ hour day on his KTM.

"The longest stage of the rally is tomorrow [stage 12] and the main challenge will be no assistance for the competitors," said Barker. "Chris is in very good shape. His bike continues performing well and we're beginning to see a little light at the end of the tunnel. Our entire team is doing very well, holding together."

Rankings: 11th stage: Kayes to 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

A Day of Rememberence No Race For The Motorcycles Today

January 10, 2006

Stage Ten - Kiffa to Kayes
Total distance - 333 km - No special test today

Chris Blais

Due to the tragic death Monday of Australia's Andy Caldectott #10, all Dakar Rally motorcycle competitors completed the stage to Kayes but they had agreed not to compete today. After a pre-ride moment of silence, all riders elected to simply ride the 333 km stage together and use the time to reflect on the loss of a valiant competitor and friend.

With most of the Dakar now behind him, Chris Blais #9 continues to ride confidently and he looks forward to the difficult final stages of his 2006 rally. He had some interesting insights about the complexion of the event thus far.

"Besides the dust, wind, rocks and dunes I am seeing an amazing number of animals on the course. Not so much during the specials but in the liaison stages. All sorts of animals: camels, cows, sheep, and lots of 'em!" said Blais "It's as if the liaisons are more treacherous than the specials. On the way into Kiffa I'm sure I saw at least 50 dead cows between the end of the special and the bivouac."

"So far my KTM has run very well and I haven't suffered from the navigation errors that many of my competitors have. I've watched the mistakes they're making and patience is something that is in short supply this year," Blais reflected. "I saw so many crashes on Stage 9 and most looked like riders, even very experienced riders, just wouldn't wait to pass slower riders when the conditions allowed. It was a long, long stage but despite thick dust and no visibility guys would just launch off the course and blast across who knows what to overtake another rider. It was crazy."

Stage 9 featured an inverted, reverse order start. Faster riders started from the back of the field - slowest riders started first.

Rankings: 10th stage: Kiffa to Kayes
Special: 283 km - Special Test Cancelled - Liason Only
Stage 9 positions carried through to start of Stage 11

Rankings as of Stage 9:
Nouakchott to Kiffa - Special: 599 km

Stage Results:
1. Despres (Gauloises KTM), 07:55:48 h
2. Coma (Repsol KTM), + 04:07
3. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), + 07:00
4. Sala (Repsol KTM), + 12:43
5. Ullevalseter (KTM), + 19:36
6. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), + 23:10
7. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), + 27:33
8. De Azevedo (KTM), + 33:35
9. Blais (Red Bull USA KTM), + 34:40
10. Goncalves (HONDA), + 36:30
11. Bethys (HONDA), + 52:54
12. Duclos (KTM), + 01:00:37 h
13. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), + 01:04:06 h
14. Gau (Gauloises KTM), + 01:05:39 h
15. Croquelois (YAMAHA), + 01:08:35 h
16. Oosting (YAMAHA), + 01:10:15 h
17. Knuiman (YAMAHA), + 01:14:32 h
18. Czachor (KTM), + 01:23:28 h
19. Algay (YAMAHA), + 01:24:10 h
20. Lepan (KTM), + 01:26:55 h
32. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), + 02:18:57 h

Overall Results:
1. Coma (Repsol KTM), 38:49:15 h
2. Despres (Gauloises KTM), 39:12:02 h, + 22:47
3. Sala (Repsol KTM), 39:42:19 h, + 53:04
4. Ullevalseter (KTM), 40:16:57 h, + 01:27:42 h
5. De Gavardo (Repsol KTM), 40:24:30 h, + 01:35:15 h, Penalty: 01.00:00 h
6. Blais (Red Bull USA KTM), 40:48:24 h, + 01:59:09 h
7. Casteu (Gauloises KTM), 42:25:21 h, + 03:36:06 h
8. Duclos (KTM), 42:28:35 h, + 03:39:20 h
9. Rodrigues (YAMAHA), 42:43:42 h, + 03:54:27 h
10. De Azevedo (KTM), 42:46:50 h,+ 03:57:35 h
11. Bethys (HONDA), 43:26:57 h, +04:37:42 h
12. Knuiman (YAMAHA), 44:45:05 h, 05:55:50 h
13. Gau (Gauloises KTM), 44:51:28 h, + 06:02:13 h
14. Farres Guell (YAMAHA), 44:54:26 h, + 06:05:11 h, Penalty: 30:00
15. Vinters (KTM), 44:57:36 h, 06:08:21 h
16. Algay (YAMAHA), 45:05:56 h, +06:16:41 h
17. Czachor (YAMAHA), 45:33:46 h, +06:44:31 h
18. Viladoms (Repsol KTM), 46:09:16 h, + 07:20:01 h, Penalty: 40:00
19. Fretigne (YAMAHA), 46:56:09 h, + 08:06:54 h
20. Lepan (KTM), 47:05:33 h, 08:16:18 h

Dakar's Darkest Day

January 9, 2006

Stage Nine: Nouakchott to Kiffa
Total distance: 874 km - 30 km transfer - 599 special test - 245 km liaison

Report by Scott Cox. Photo by P. Batini

Godspeed, Andy.

Chris Blais and the entire Red Bull KTM US Dakar team would like to extend their condolences to the family of Andy Caldecott #10, who tragically lost his life today during Stage 9 of the 2006 Dakar Rally. The 41-year-old Australian was a talented member of the Repsol Junior team as well as a friend and staunch ally to Chris and the American team.

"I last saw and spoke with Andy at a gas stop just 20km from where he crashed," said Blais. "He was a tremendous rider and a big help to me during earlier stages in the rally. This is a huge loss and all of us are stunned by his passing."

Stage Nine Results - Blais finished 9th overall for Stage 9, he is now in 6th position overall. Today's was a long and trying stage with very high-speeds, dust and challenging obstacles. By 10pm, more than half of the field had still not arrived in the bivouac.