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NEWS
Dakar stage four: Yamaha takes charge
The Japanese manufacturer now holds the top two spots, led by French pair Olivier Pain and David Casteu. Aussie Rod Faggotter has jumped up three spots to 17thStage four of the 2013 Dakar Rally on January 8 saw strong performances from Yamaha riders Olivier Pain (pictured) and David Casteu, taking them to first and second respectively in the overall standings.
Pain has been gradually moving up the standings with strong rides and completed the 429km stage four – which included a 10hm stretch along a beach -- in second on his YZ450F-based machine, just over eight minutes from the fastest rider, Spain’s Joan Barreda (Husqvarna). Casteu was third, 10 minutes and 42 seconds (10.42) behind Barreda.
“I strayed a bit off track and, being behind the rest of the bikes at the top of the valley, I was able to take the shortest route and make up a lot of time,” said Pain.
“I've been riding at my pace from the beginning, with no pressure, just to have fun, and doing my best not to fall because the rally’s just begun. I don't want to get overexcited about my place in the overall; the rally’s still long and my objective is to finish in the top 10 every day, and I hope to continue doing this well until the end.”
Rod Faggotter (Yamaha) was the leading Australian in stage four, finishing 13th 16.37 in arrears of Barreda. That was one spot ahead of defending champion Cyril Despres (KTM, 17.35), while other Australians included Matt Fish (Husqvarna, 24.00) in 23rd, Warren Strange (Honda, 31.24) in 27th and Ben Grabham (KTM, 34.40) in 31st.
Faggotter improved three sports in the overall classification to now sit in 17th, with Fish 24th, Grabham 29th and Strange 30th.
Despres dropped from first to third in stage four.
Stage five takes riders from Arequipa to Arica on the border with Chile over a total distance of 411km – a liaison of 275km and 136km of timed special.
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Written byBikesales Staff
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