The race resumed after the neutralization of yesterday's special test. To attack in the different ground of the Malian savannah is a task for specialists. Riders can ride side by side with almost parallel tracks, and only one being the right track. But the main problem can be the risk of hitting an animal suddenly crossing the track. Then also to get lost for kilometers and not even notice until it is too late. In a track like today's special test, it is better to defend the position and minimize the risk of navigation mistakes. It is a difficult stage for Cyril Despres, who has to attack if he wants to reach his rival, Marc Coma. Conversely, it is a more comfortable position for the talented Spaniard who has been leading the Dakar since the fourth stage of Zouerat.
In fact, nothing changed within the 705 kilometres of today's 11th stage of the Dakar. With a second place in the special test, just behind the first victory of "native" Marc Duclos, Marc Coma raced carefully and increased his advantage over Cyril Depres. The gap is now over 34 minutes with three stages to go. Two Americans set a good stage, the privateer Jonah Street and KTM Red Bull teammate Chris Blais finishing third and fourth, respectively. The only Norwegian, Pal Anders Ullevalseter, is bringing one more privateer KTM very near to the podium. Only the third overall, Italian Giovanni Sala, had minor problems navigating in the dust of his rivals, and finished 13th, but without any risk his high overall 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 Labhé, so all the riders will count solely on their own energies. Furthermore, a good reason to tread lightly on tires, engines and the entire bike.
One year ago today, January 11, 2005, in the stage between Atar and Kiffa of the 27th Dakar Rally, we lost Fabrizio Meoni. Much more than an unforgettable Champion. This is a sad day of rememberance.
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