Dakar stage two: Matt Fish third

The Aussie has produced a blinder in the first major stage of the 8000km plus 2013 Dakar Rally, and is sixth overall in the desert classic

Matt Fish has become the first Australian to finish in the top three of Dakar stage since the late Andy Caldecott in 2006.

Fish, from Kyneton (Vic), was third in the 327km stage two (242km special test), which started and finished in the Peruvian city of Pisco. The stage was won by Fish’ Husqvarna teammate Joan Barreda, followed by Joan Pedrero (KTM).

“There was such a lot of dust and navigation but I’m happy with the result. I’m under orders from the team, and it’s important to be a help to my teammates,” said Fish.

“I’m really glad to have got my first podium place in a stage of the Dakar.”

Fish sits sixth overall in the standings, nine minutes and 18 seconds (9:18) behind the leader, Barreda. Ruben Faria (KTM, 5:36) and Pedrero (6:36) are second and third, with defending champion Cyril Despres (KTM) in fifth (8:50).

Bathurst’s Ben Grabham (KTM) is 19th (14:06), with three other Australians in the top 40: Rod Faggotter (Yamaha) 31st (21:20), Warren Strange (Honda) 33rd (22:30) and Todd Smith (Honda) 36th (23:27).

Australia’s Paul Smith (Honda) is 18th out of 33 riders in the quad division.

Stage three will be a 343km run, of which 243km is special test.

For full results and standings, visit www.dakar.com/index_DAKus.html.

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Written byBikesales Staff

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