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DAKAR 2012 UPDATE

 
 

Husqvarna Speedbrain take maiden stage win, Depres and Coma even closer after stage 10

 

With the stage taking in dunes and the dreaded fesh-fesh, or talcum fine powdery sand, stage 10 proved to be a pivotal phase as Joan Barreda took his first ever Dakar stage win on board his Husqvarna Speedbrain rally bike. The Spaniard was understandably elated and joins the top echelon of those who have actually finished a stage ahead of Depres and Coma. Following Barreda home in second place, Coma took Depres' lead down to a 21 second margin in the overall standings. As the Dakar 2012 heads towards the final stage, it is gearing up to be a two rider sprint as the two three-time winners slug it out all the way to the wire. There are absolutely no team orders involved as the two riders, who represent different teams under the KTM umbrella, bring it home in Lima.

Also impressing with his speed is Dakar newbie, Chris Birch. Birch came home in 17th for the stage, showing he is learning fast and grasping the techniques needed to keep pace with the rally specialists in the high speed stages.

We'll be keeping you posted as the Dakar 2012 heads towards the finish in Lima, Peru.

Photos courtesy of M. Maragni KTM Images