Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme : FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship

Dakar is the new target for the World Champion !

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:44:00 +0100

The winner of the 2009 World Quad Championship for Women, Camelia Liparoti, also finished in second position in the overall quad classification.
Now, the Italian is looking towards the Dakar. A challenge which she sees as an opportunity to get her revenge. Having failed to finish on the podium in the 2009 edition, she is quite determined to remedy that situation in January 2010… The field is of an extremely high quality, and Camelia is well aware of the challenges which await her...

«To finish in the right group … »
« The Dakar is never easy… There are so many parametres that can change the course of the event. I hope to finish the event in the right place. I wouldn’t dare to make a guess on the result; there will be plenty of time for that later. This year, the field is of a particularly high quality. With around thirty quads taking part, this is real recognition for us. And looking down the entry list, it’s clear that there’s a good crowd ! Around a dozen competitors could claim the win. It is going to be a really good fight, with some top-level battles. I must admit that I am proud today to drive in this category… My only regret is that I will be the only woman taking part in the quad class, and that there are very few women in the bikes as well.»

Practice .. the key to success ! The Dakar is a demanding race, both physically and mentally. To drive at the top level for two whole weeks needs unfailing energy. Camelia has never neglected this aspect of the sport, and works on her physical training with determination. As far as the mental side is concerned, there are no worries, as she has plenty of good advice from her ‘godfather’ in the sport, Luc Alphand, who won the Dakar in 2006.

« I train with a coach in Chamonix. It helps me a lot in order to face the Dakar, where the altitudes in the Andes can give you vertigo. Between now and the start of the race on January 1st, I will continue my preparations in order to be as sharp as a knife !»

«Always think that the hardest is yet to come… » Having read the route carefully, Camelia is beginning to get a good idea of what lies ahead. One stage in particular has caught her attention… the day before the rest day. !

« In Chile, between Iquique and Antofagasta (where the rest day will take place), this 7th stage seems to include a number of potential traps, including a « salar », which is around 3 km long…. A salar is a stretch of desert interspersed with large blocks of dry salt, where speeds can drop to less than 10 km/h… It reminds me of the El Djérid saline lake in Tunisia, where I saw a few good drivers get caught out and lose time. As a matter of fact, the organisation will accept late arrivals until 18:00 the next day, before they are declared to be out of the race. That is a true sign of how difficult this stage is likely to be... No matter what happens, I will face each day philosophically. On the Dakar, there are not fifty different ways to succeed… you have to be careful and cautious, and always think that the hardest is yet to come… » You will be able to follow

Camelia « on line »: www.dakar.com

Shamrock 2009

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:34:00 +0100

A great competition and some great winners! Marc Coma (KTM 690 Rally) ranks first in the overall classification and Stephane Peterhansel/Jean-Paul Cottret (BMW X-Raid) winners in the car category. The Moroccan-Shamrock Rally could not have expected a Better "Award of Excellence" for its 2009 edition, which ended in such a dramatic way. Indeed Cyril Despres won the race on the ground but was given a fixed penalty for speeding on the liaison road section.

This sanction deprives Cyril Despres of victory in the Shamrock 2009 but does not deprive him of his third World Cup +450 cc FIM win, guaranteed since taking command in the second leg of the competition.Rules are rules and that moment of inattention cost him dearly. The champion later said: "I was following Jordi Viladoms in the dust; I did not realize how fast I was going as I entered the controlled speed zone."

Marc Coma, Winner of three of the six stages (in the last one) he gained less than 2 minutes over Despres) was 7 minutes behind this morning and was definitely not hoping for such a situation. Promised to a second place, the champion inherits first position! He said he was "sorry for Cyril" before expressing his happiness to be back in the competition with a victory. Hinting that he had not raced since his serious accident (eight fractures) back in June, in Sardinia.

At the end of the sixth stage of the Shamrock, a the week in the most beautiful landscapes and the most varied terrain of southern Morocco, Marc Coma and Stephane Peterhansel were not the only ones entitled to the " Sunlight” reserved for the winners. Lionel Laine, first of the quad cat. wins the 2009 World Cup; he is also entitled to the most sincere congratulations. Same for the Czech team Tomas Tomacek and Moravek Vojtech, handsome victors in their Tatra truck, they rank ninth in the auto-truck scratch.

The event was nevertheless dominated by the Peterhansel/Cottret team, winning five of the six stages; this leaves the other BMW X-Raid team: Leonid Novitsky/Andreas Schulz (winners today) in second place at 2 h 24'25. In hoisting their proto-Renault Megane on the third step of the podium Jean-Noël Julien and Christophe Crespo are one of the happiest teams tonight. Ranked fourth, Jean-Marie Davoy and Marc Jourdan (Buggy MD) had glimpsed the possibility of being on the podium. Etienne Smulevici and Jean-Marc Martinez (5th), Patrice Chevallier and Dominique Laure (6th) Francis Lethier and Jean-Marc Lurquin (7th) and Peter Lachaume/Jean Brucy (8th) rubbing shoulders with the guys from the Czech Republic who also won the T4 category. Gerard Luc Sicre / Laurent Flament, in their Toyota (T2 category), are13th overall after winning today’s stage. Finally, Yvan Pierre Dard and Christel Paro in their pink Toyota (flying the colours of Toulouse) in twelfth place.

In the SSV cat., victory goes to Antoine Vandromme and Corine Dubois (29th scratch time).

A prestigious closing ceremony
In the presence of the Governor of the region of Zagora who hosted this year's Shamrock the prestigious event organized by NPO, was held in the Reda hotel gardens. On this occasion, the various winners of the rally were rewarded and applauded. This gala event was also marked by the delivery of FIM World Cup (International Federation of Motorcycle) to the different 2009 winners: Cyril Despres (in over 450 cc category), Olivier Pain (450 cc), Lionel Laine (quad) Camellia Liparoti (quad female).

FIM Cross-Country Rallies World Championship Pharaons Rally (Egypt)

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:42:00 +0200

Following information that has been circulated regarding the cancellation of the 2009 Pharaons Rally, the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) has consulted its Egyptian affiliated Federation, namely, Automobile and Touring Club of Egypt (ATCE).

The ATCE has now confirmed that any information about the cancellation of the Rally is completely wrong and misleading.

The 2009 Pharaons Rally organised under the responsibility of the ATCE will be held as planned from 3rd to 11th of October.

Camelia Liparoti on the road to the title!

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:30:00 +0200

After the Dakar 2009 in Argentina, Camelia Liparoti has launched herself into the Cross-Country Rally World Championship (ex Rally-Raid) on her quadbike KTM 525 XC. She is battling for the title in the Female motorbike-quadbike category and for a podium position in the the overall quadbike scratch category.

" This year, the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge has opened the World Championship. This has been my first contact with the Emirates desert. This rally has given me immense moments of pleasure. Riding a quadbike among the gigantic dunes of the desert of Rub'al Khali was equally an excellent school of sand piloting. I finished the rally in 7th position out of the 13 quadbikes engaged in the race.

The Oillibya Rally in Tunisia/Libya was the second test, a small version of the Dakar rally with 650 kilometres to cover in just one day ......and there were 11 days racing in total ! I finished on the podium in second place.

The last rally to which I participated, the Rally Race of Sardinia in Italy, was the third World Championship test of the calendar, a classical enduro race but with navigation. A difficult course on a fantastic terrain, but often with very technical spots where quads do not pass very easily. With these challenging conditions, it was not simple to battle with the motorbikes. I finished at the podium feet in 4th position of the scratch quadbike category.

After three races, I am currently in first position of the Rally Cross-Country World Championship Female motorbike-quadbike category and in second position within the quadbike scratch category."

Always fully passionate in her approach, Camelia has conquered this sport discipline 100%.

" These rallys allow me to improve my riding and navigation skills.
I live in Chamonix Mont-Blanc, France, where it is not easy to practice quadbike riding due to environmental restrictions. I therefore compensate this with a strong physical condition and a positive mental attitude. These conditions are crucial during a rally-raid when human head is in control!"

The next World Championship race is at the beginning of October in Egypt with the Pharaons Rally before the final race in Morocco later during the same month.

" I very much hope to be able to give KTM the title of Cross-Country Rally World Championship in the Female motorbike-quadbike category."

Third for Cyril Despres! First for Orlando Terranova

Sun, 03 May 2009 12:13:00 +0200

The last stage, run in the form of two loops around Nefta, allowed Cyril Despres to pull away from his rivals and take his 3rd OiLibya de Tunisie ahead of Marc Coma, a little ‘lost’ first time around. The battle for the third place between the Spaniard Jordi Viladoms and ‘Chaleco’ Lopez finally went in favour of the Chilean for just 13 seconds – incredible after 11 days of racing…

In the 450 class Olivier Pain achieved his goal and won his category after a hard fight with Bruno Da Costa and Luca Manca. After having dominated since the start of the rally, Lionel Laine wins ahead of Camelia Liparoti and the current world champion Karim Dilou. In the cars Orlando Terranova wins his first World Cup event at the wheel of his BMW X3 ahead of an incisive Christian Lavieille and his Proto Dessoude. Guerlain Chicherit puts the second BMW on the third step of the podium. In the 2-wheel class Pascal Thomasse and his MD Buggy pips Jean-Louis Schlesser, while Jerome Pelichet takes the Wildcat Trophy. The Russian pairing of Varentsov-Elagin wins the T2 class. Finally Alain Coquelle, Frederic Becart and Dominique Lefevre take the truck victory.

The end of 11 days of intense racing saw an explosion of joy. Right from the first loop this morning, Cyril Despres hit hard, taking advantage of a navigation error by his rival Marc Coma. On the second lap the Frenchman only had to control the situation to take the victory. The Spaniard finally finished 5’57 behind to take second place. Winning here for the third time, after 2002 and 2004, Cyril Despres was delighted with the result on a race of this quality. For the third place the battle was even closer. 4th yesterday evening, ‘Chaleco’ showed his tactical skill. Marking his rival Jordi Viladoms over the first stage he let him cross the finish line first. Then on the second lap, with the Spaniard in his sights, the Chilean attacked hard to win by just 13 seconds. In the 450 class Olivier Pain, very in form over these last few days, wins ahead of Bruno Da Costa, Luca Manca and the first lady home Virginie Premat. Mission accomplished for the 2008 winner , 9th overall. No last minute surprises in the quads. As since the beginning of the race, Lionel Laine won ahead of Camelia Liparoti, with whom he has run a team race these last few days. With the two KTMs in the first two places, Karim Dilou and his Yamaha made it to third place after a multitude of mechanical problems.

The 27th Rallye OiLibya de Tunisie was varied and demanding, both in terms of navigation and driving. An edition which continues in the great tradition of African rallies.

Quotes of the day…

Cyril DESPRES – KTM – 1st
I am especially pleased as my first rally was here back in 1998. A few years later I am still here with a great bike and a great team. To win here on a technical route where navigation takes on a real importance makes victory even sweeter. With Marc it is always extremely close but since the beginning of the year it has, up until now, gone his way. KTM have entered Marc and I on all the World Championship rounds. Marc won in Abu Dhabi and I win here. In three weeks we will be in Sardinia to fight it out again.

Marc COMA – KTM – 2nd
Even if I missed the win it was important to finish second so as to take as many points as possible for the World Championship. I am very happy to have participated on this Rallye de Tunisie where I felt good on the bike and navigated well. It was a big rally with 11 days of racing and very varied terrain. I would like to thank my team for all their hard work. To return to Africa is always something special and in Tunisia I have many friends and it is a pleasure to see again.

« Chaleco » LOPEZ – KTM – 3rd
It has been a fine rally and I have fought right til the end. It is so different to South America and I am satisfied with the result. I liked the terrain and enjoyed myself a lot.

Olivier PAIN – YAMAHA – 1st 450cc
I am satisfied with my result. The 450 class win was my objective before the start and I have achieved it. For the overall I could have perhaps done better, but I proved over these last stages that I was present with my little 450. I found the rally especially difficult this year – long specials and little time to relax. The rest of the season will depend on my budget as I am an amateur rider…

Bruno DA COSTA– HONDA- 2nd 450cc
I am happy to be at the finish. I had a scare when I broke my chain last Thursday and lost the lead in the 450 class as a result. This rally was hard and with a 450 I prefer technical pistes rather than fast ones. As far as the navigation I feel much more at east compared with my first rally in Morocco three years ago. I would even go as far as to say I actually like it now.

Luca MANCA – TM – 3rd 450cc
A good, hard race. This is my second event in Africa and feel I have made progress since Egypt, even if I need to be better at navigation.

Virginie PREMAT – YAMAHA – 1st Lady
Delighted – I made it to the finish and achieved my objective. Now I am going to set myself tougher goals. I have gained confidence on the bike, I have worked hard and been rewarded for my efforts and now I would like to do other rallies

Match Despres-Coma...The Gap goes down. Car Special cancelled.

Sat, 02 May 2009 10:50:00 +0200

The tenth and penultimate stage promised fine tracks and the possibility of big changes. Unfortunately an accident this morning for the car of Leonid Novitskiy and Oleg Tyupenkin forced the special to be cancelled for the cars. For the bikes the race was stopped at CP1, at km 134 and the result taken there, with victory going to Marc Coma one minute ahead of Cyril Despres. On the eve of the last stage the Frenchman holds to overall lead but by a reduced margin.. In the 450 category Luca Manca finished 2 minutes ahead of the overall leader Olivier Pain. In the quad class Camelia Liparoti posted the fastest time, her first win on this rally. Overall Lionel Laine is comfortably in the lead.

On leaving Ksar Ghilane the competitors headed for Tozeur over a special announced as decisive for the final result. Starting at 9h00 this morning, the bikes, as normal, set off first. And keen to make up lost time, the Spaniard Marc Coma attacked right from the off. Arriving at CP1 with a 1 minute lead on Cyril Despres, it was finally this difference that would become the result of the day. Behind them, as the cars started their race, at km 11, the BMW X3 of Leonid Novitskiy went off the piste and into a roll. Injured, the two Russians were evacuated by helicopter to Djerba.

All the vehicles that started behind them stopped to help and let off their distress beacons. Thanks to the rapid intervention of the medical helicopter and that of Jean-Paul Forthomme, Jean-Louis Schlesser’s co-driver, the condition of the two injured men was able to be stabilised before being they were flown to Djerba. After the accident none of the other competitors had the heart to restart and the special was cancelled with all the competitors reaching Tozeur by the road.

Overall in the bike class Marc Coma is now only 3’57 behind Cyril Despres, while Jordi Viladoms take the 3rd place off the Chilean rider Chaleco’ Lopez. Plenty to play for then, tomorrow on the piste.

The 2008 winner, current leader in the 450 class and 9th overall, Olivier Pain, looks back over a week of ups and downs, “I only made an average start, with quite a lot of difficulty to get into the race, followed by electrical problems, a crash and time lost with a navigation error before the second refuelling on the marathon stage. The following day the stage was neutralised, which was good news for me as I had twisted the front of the bike. At 1 hour 30 minutes behind my only solution was to attack in the hope that the others would also run into problems. Over these last three days I have pulled back quite a lot of time and yesterday Luca (Manca) and Bruno (Da Costa) both hard difficulties and I was able to retake the lead by 30 minutes. Before the start of this rally my first objective was to win my class and for the moment I am on track. The second was to finish in the Top 5 overall…. But now I am in the Top 10 at 9th place. Tomorrow I will have to take it easy to makes sure nothing untoward happens, because even on a short stage like tomorrows plenty of things can happen.

The last stage in the form of two loops around Nefta, will be crucial in deciding the winners of this 27th edition of the Rallye de Tunisie. The special will be fast and spectacular, with a tricky ‘chott’, off-piste in the camel grass, sandy pistes and technical terrain. Between the two loops there will be a 30 minute neutralisation for assistance and to allow spectators to get close to the competitors.

Duel Coma-Despres, another podium for BMW!

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:19:00 +0200

The ninth stage between Oueni and the oasis of Ksar Ghilane saw victory in the bike class go to the Spaniard Marc Coma ahead of his principle rival Cyril Despres. The Frenchman conceded 4 minutes today but holds onto the overall lead two stages from the end. Third today, the Chilean Francisco Lopez firms up his third place overall.

An excellent day for Olivier Pain who wins his third consecutive stage and retakes the overall 450 class lead from Bruno Da Costa who ran into mechanical problems. Lionel Laine continues his unbroken record with a ninth win in the quad category. In the cars the BMW X3s take the first three places with Leonid Novitskiy finishing ahead of Guerlain Chicherit and Orlando Terranova. Overall the Argentinan ‘controls’ Christian Lavieille, still second, while the Russian comes back to within 8’30 of the Frenchman. In the two-wheel drive category Pascal Thomasse still leads Jean-Louis Schlesser, while in T2 Artem Varentsov is virtually assured of victory. In T4 Alain Coquelle posts another victory.

To get to the oasis of Ksar Ghilane, haven of peace in the heart of the palm groves, the competitors on the 27th Rallye OiLibya de Tunisie tackled a challenging 275 km special. Sandy pistes, jumps, stones, for certain bike riders the second half of the route resembled a mini enduro. In the cars the many jumps threw around the co-drivers. On two wheels Marc Coma wins ahead of Cyril Despres who is nevertheless still 5 minutes ahead of his principle rival. It will be very close between the two men and two stages from the end anything could happen. A little way behind them the Chilean Chaleco Lopez is simply trying to keep Jordi Viladoms at bay.

Here also the gap is relatively slim and the third place on the podium far from a foregone conclusion. In the 450 class Olivier Pain has succeeded in getting back into the lead ahead of Bruno Da Costa who lost a good 30 minutes with chain problems. Luca Manca also had mechanical woes and losses more than 1 hour. A nice surprise for Christian Califano, who was met by his ‘teacher’ Cyril Despres, who turned back to evaluate his pupils progress. First Tunisian today Hassen Jemili enjoyed himself over the varied going. In the quad class Lionel Laine once again dominated, this time beating the Russian Vladimir Marugov into second place.

Tomorrow direction Tozeur… announced as one of the hardest stages of the rally, the final result is far from decided. On the menu: navigation, dune crossings, pistes cut by sand tongues, chotts, undulations and a finish at the famous Star Wars set.

Marc COMA – KTM
I maybe lost the race yesterday, but that is rally-raid, you have to accept it. I am very happy to have come back to ride in Africa. I am in good form and riding at a very good pace.

Cyril DESPRES – KTM
We rode so hard that my hands are hurting. Marc caught me up and then we rode together. A real moto-x, over which Marc imposed a very fast pace. It will be very close at the end. I start second tomorrow and anything could happen, with the many pistes and difficult navigation. If I give Marc the slightest chance he will seize it.

« Chaleco » LOPEZ – KTM
My goal until the end will be to defend my third place overall. Jordi isn’t far behind.

David CASTEU – KTM
A little navigation, a little sand – I really enjoyed myself this morning. I caught Helder Rodrigues and we rode together and had fun in the sand. I have no pressure concerning the overall results – now it is just for pleasure.

Olivier PAIN – YAMAHA – 450cc
Sixth fastest today. Another good run and quite a lot of time gained. I am only thinking of the overall result and am looking good to achieve my objective, which isn’t too bad considering all the problems I have encountered.

Bruno DA COSTA– HONDA 450cc
Not a good day… the chain came off and I had nothing to repair it with. Several riders went by but none of them had a spare split link. Then Lionel Laine stopped and helped me out. The special was very rolling. I lack a little technique but am improving day by day.

Christian CALIFANO – YAMAHA 450 cc
A super stage. I stayed with Herve (Theuriot) and it was a great ride through the dunes. We didn’t want to push it – no crashes, just enjoyment. I was very happy Cyril came back to wait for me at the finish. A big surprise – while I was at 120 kph, or 120 % of my ability at the end of the route I saw a mirage dressed in Red Bull shoot by. It was Cyril – he could see that the lessons he has been giving me are paying off. Another two days to go and I will have achieved my goal.

Cyril Despres takes control, Guerlain Chicherit strickes back!

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 09:25:00 +0200

The eighth stage sees a change in the overall lead in the motocycle class. Cyril Despres retakes the lead by nearly 9 minutes over Marc Coma, who suffered from tyre problems. The Frenchman is smiling again! In the 450 category Olivier Pain also had a good day, posting the 4th fastest time and pulling back precious time on Luca Manca and the current class leader, Bruno Da Costa. In the quads Lionel Laine sets the pace ahead of Camelia Liparoti and Karim Dilou. In the cars Guerlain Chicherit wins for the second time in his BMW X3 ahead of Nicolas Misslin and Jean-Louis Schlesser. The extremely small gaps change nothing overall, the Argentinean Orlando Terranova keeps his lead ahead of Christian Lavieille and Leonid Novitskiy. In the trucks Alain Coquelle once again wins in front of Frederic Coudereau and Sylvain Besnard.

Just before crossing the border between Libya and Tunisia the competitors tackled a special stage of 365 kilometres. Bumpy to start with, and then faster over the second part, the route had a major impact on the bike rankings. Marc Coma destroyed his rear tyre, after melting his mousse and crossed the line on his wheel rim. Cyril Despres seized the occasion to retake the overall lead by almost 9 minutes over the Spaniard.

Cyril Despres: I started 4th this morning and took it relatively easy. At km 80 I came up behind Chaleco and Viladoms and took thirty kilometres to get past them. At the refuelling CP at km 200 Jordi had already melted his mousse. A hundred kilometres further on Marc stopped to see how his was doing. From there I passed in front and attacked as hard as I could. You can’t really talk about tactics, more a series of favourable circumstances. Lady Luck was with me today. Let’s hope she sticks around for a while!

Pal Anders Ullevalseter posted the 2nd fastest time ahead of Coma, while David Casteu, another victim of tyre problems, also finished the special on the rim far behind the winner. Overall the Team Vectra rider is now in 6th place. The young Olivier Pain in the 450 class, as yesterday, outclassed his rivals, posting the fourth fastest time and pulling back twelve or so minutes. Overall in the 450 class Bruno Da Costa holds on to the lead followed by Luca Manca, Olivier Pain and the Tunisian Anis Nabli, putting in a fine performance on home soil. On the quads the Frenchman Lionel Laine once again posts the best time ahead of the Tunisian Karim Dilou and the Italian Camelia Liparoti. Dominating the category Lionel leads ahead of Camelia and Karim. The Russian Vladimir Marugov is now far behind, after numerous mechanical problems, but continues his race.

Tomorrow, direction Ksar Ghilane, a stage of 283 kilometres, 275 of which are special. The battle will start between the mountains, over a sandy piste. Little by little the rocks will give way to dunes, with the main challenge being to find the right way through. Then off-piste in the Erg de Jenein, followed by rolling piste between the forts. Finally the El Borma pipeline will see the race become more physical with fast pistes cut by sand tongues. Fortunately the hot springs of Ksar Ghilane await the competitors.

Eric Vigouroux and Jordi Viladoms win the day!

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:10:00 +0200

After yesterday’s neutralisation the 27th Rallye OiLibya de Tunisie restarted today with a 410 kilometre stage between Brack and Ouaryat. Technical and physically demanding for the bikes, victory went to the Spaniard Jordi Viladoms ahead of the Chilean ‘Chaleco Lopez and the overall leader Marc Coma, all KTM mounted. In the 450 category Olivier Pain placed his Yamaha in front of Luca Manca and Bruno Da Costa. In the cars Eric Vigouroux was fastest in his Trophy Truck ahead of the BMWs of Orlando Terranova and Leonid Novitskiy.

The rally ‘caravane’ reached the bivouac at Quaryat after a stage that was technical to start with, before becoming rapid over the second half. And with the regularity of a metronome Jordi Viladoms won the stage in the motorcycle class ahead of ‘Chaleco’ Lopez and Marc Coma. Opening the piste this morning, Cyril Despres suffered with the tricky navigation and lost more time on the overall leader Marc Coma, as did David Casteu and Pal Anders Ullevalseter, who rode the last 40 kilometres following their compass heading.

In the 450 category Olivier Pain had a ‘perfect day’. Delighted with his performance, he pulls back some time on overall class leader Luca Manca. Congratulations also to Bruno Da Costa who finished third and to ex-French rugby international Christian Califano, still in the rally despite a big crash four
days ago and a night out in the dunes two days ago.

Tomorrow the rally leaves Libya and heads back to Tunisie, but while the bivouac will be on Tunisian soil the special will be held on the other side of the border – 365 km of mountainous pistes.

Quotes of the day…

Jordi VILADOMS – KTM
I am very happy to have posted the fastest time over this very difficult stage. The first half over the stones was particularly difficult and you really had to concentrate. Then on the second half I saw that Marc and Cyril had got lost and I picked up the pace. I don’t want to make any predictions for the final result but I am of course aiming for a podium.

« Chaleco » LOPEZ – KTM
What a stage. Really technical, where the slightest error could be very costly. My tyre and wheel were so damaged I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish. The navigation wasn’t easy either, but I posted the second fastest time. Africa is really different to South America!

Marc COMA – KTM
The stage was very long today, with the first part particularly technical and physical – lots of stones and tricky trials type terrain. After refuelling the piste became faster and the pace picked up. I made a navigation error and then saw Cyril’s dust… This rally is very demanding and doesn’t pardon mistakes. There are still four stages and I know from experience that no rally is finished until you have crossed the final finish line.

Cyril DESPRES – KTM
The pace was fast over the last 90 kilometres but the entire special was tough. The first 150 were great, with lots of stones, changes in direction in the canyons… With Marc, we lost a bit of time looking for the right compass heading and then Jordi and Chaleco caught us up. At the end of the stage my rear tyre was completely worn out – I attacked from start to finish but the slightest error costs a lot of time. Navigation is never an exact science, well not for me anyway. For the overall, when Marc has a small lead he follows me like my shadow, so it isn’t easy to take back the time…

David CASTEU – KTM
Over the technical sections you were up on the footpegs – there were stones everywhere and you had to be very alert. At the end with ‘Paulo’ (Pal Anders Ullevalseter) we went off piste following our compass – a lot of fun!

Olivier PAIN – YAMAHA – 1er 450cc
I rode well today but it will be very difficult to make up the time I have lost on Luca overall. Let’s hope I can keep this up everyday. Up until the refuelling it was very hard and if you fell you could have damaged yourself or the bike. The second part was more ‘rolling’ and nice to ride – and I didn’t make any navigation errors.

Second half of the marathon stage neutralised

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:26:00 +0200

The first half of the marathon stage proofed very popular with the competitors. Sadly, today the second half between Oubari and Brack had to be neutralised. During the night a violent storm started to blow at the bivouac in Oubari making the crests of the dunes very difficult to see. This morning the decision was taken, in consultation with the competitors, to neutralise the special and send everybody to the bivouac in Brack by road. And for many, a bit of rest was very welcome after yesterday’s excursions.

Yesterday only two bikes and a few cars failed to reach the bivouac in Oubari and were forced to spend the night out in the dunes. Located by the organisers in the evening, Stephane Clair went out early this morning to serve them a breakfast – room service in the desert!

After a night shaken by the wind, this morning at 9h00 the competitors went to see the organisation and and race directors and asked for the special to be neutralised due to the poor visibility in the dunes that awaited them.

A wise decision, as tomorrow, after having repaired both man and machine, everyone can set off again for the five remaining stages.

OrlandoTerranova in the cars and Marc Coma on the bikes, race leader will have take great care against some extremely motivated challengers.