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| 31.05.2010 |
| Sardegna Rally - Team KTM Cyril Despres |
| Stage 3 - After their night out under the stars at the marathon bivouac all seven members of Team KTM Cyril Despres have arrived safely at the end of stage 3. |
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Once again the navigation proved difficult and the terrain featured some big climbs but all were delighted with their day.
Commented Justin Carter, “I would say that today was the best stage I have ever done on any rally. At one point we rode ride up to the top of a peak and the view was incredible. I managed to resist the temptation to stop and take a photo – this is a race after all. Then this afternoon I rode completely on my own until 300 metres from the finish. Completely magic.
South African Craig Tarlington was equally enthusiastic. “This really is an incredible experience. To get the benefit of all Cyril’s knowledge is a real bonus and the terrain is simply amazing. More people should come and do this. I could say more but I won’t or people will think I am exaggerating!
Stage 2
Yesterday the seven Team KTM Cyril Despres rides were able to sun themselves for over an hour at the assistance point while their mechanics worked on their machines. Today persistent rain meant they had much less time and they were forced to huddle under their team’s awnings while their team carried out running repairs. Commented UK rider Justin Carter, “there were some big climbs and descents. It was much more technical than yesterday. In fact it reminded me a lot of a muddy enduro back home!”
Despite the difficult conditions, this evening they are all safely at the marathon bivouac where they will spend a night under canvas, and without assistance, before being reunited with their mechanics tomorrow lunch time. In total tomorrow, 311 km from Teulada to Muravera, with two specials, the first of 113 km and the second of 60 km.
Stage 1
There were a few nervous looking faces among the riders in Team KTM Cyril Despres at breakfast this morning before the first stage of the Sardegna Rally Race. And the tension went up a couple of notches as the heavens opened, soaking them to the skin as they waited on the start line.
But by the time they had all made it safely to the assistance point at the end of the first 122 kilometres of special it was all smiles again. The sun had come out, they had dried out and the clear air gave them a chance to snatch some brief glimpses of the magnificent scenery. Exclaimed South African Robert Streak, “Man it is beautiful around here, and the tracks are amazing. I took my time and concentrated on the navigation as Cyril advised us and I didn’t get lost once.”
Equally happy at the end of the stage was Guatemalan rally raid regular Francisco Arredondo. “Last year was my first time here and I finished the first stage dead last! Today I was 23rd on the first special and 27th on the second so I am pretty pleased with my day. I am on a 450 EXC here and it proved perfect for the terrain.”
Commented Cyril Despres, “It was a bit of a baptism by fire today for them as it was a long day with a lot of navigation. But I am delighted to say they all seemed to have got through unscathed. Fingers crossed everything continues to go so smoothly!” |
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| Team KTM Cyril Despres
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| Team KTM Cyril Despres
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| Team KTM Cyril Despres
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| Team KTM Cyril Despres
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| Team KTM Cyril Despres |
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