The third stage brings a slight change to the general standings, with Sanders now taking the lead. Toby Price finishes sixth. Bad weather also plays a part
Redazione
03.01.2023 ( Aggiornata il 03.01.2023 17:10 )
Riding from ALULA to HA’IL, the competitors covered 688 km today. This Dakar stage included the most scenic 50 km stretch of the entire rally, with some spectacular landscapes and a series of canyons. Stage 3 also involved a 447 km special that really put the riders to the test. And the weather also had a say, with only the first 43 starters able to actually finish. The stage was subsequently suspended by the organisation, with the bikes having to stop at CP2, or the 355 km mark. Rain and bad weather prevented helicopters from taking off which meant that an adequate level of safety could not be guaranteed.
These issues meant that many riders were stopped at the last possible neutralization section. From here, times were adjusted based on the gaps recorded at the previous waypoints.
As for the results of the stage, Daniel Sanders (Gas Gas) set the best overall time, finishing in 04h24’15”. The Australian also finished first in stage 1 but penalties meant he was ‘demoted’ to fifth place. He now leads the general standings. The second fastest time was set by Argentinian Benavides who powered his KTM to the line +05’23” behind the leader. Howes (Husqvarna) rounds out the day’s podium with a time of 04h30’34”.
Just missing out on the top three was young American rider, and yesterday’s stage winner, Mason Klein (04h31’14”). Klein now lies second “overall”. Behind him was Joan Barreda who finished +11’29” from Sanders aboard the Honda of the Monster Energy team. Toby Price placed sixth, not a great result for the KTM rider who loses ground in the general standings and now lies sixth.
Brabec’s Dakar comes to an end
The American crashed at km 274 and unfortunately had to conclude his rally. It’s a shame to see the Honda rider forced out of the race considering his strong performance up until now. Italian rider Alex Salvini also had to retire today as a result of technical problems, while Tommaso Montanari was unable to continue following yesterday's crash.
General standings after stage three
#1. D. SANDERS 14:05.38
#2. M. KLEIN 14:09.42
#3. K. BENAVIDES 14:12.31
#4. S. HOWES 14:14.13
#5. J. BARREDA 14:16.15
#6. T. PRICE 14:16.38
#7. P. QUINTANILLA 14:22.34
#8. A. VAN BEVEREN 14:27.08
#9. M. WALKNER 14:27.40
#10 R. BRANCH 14:29.20
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