Coma extends Dakar lead

From KTM Racing

KTM factory rider Marc Coma of Spain emerged as the winner of the Dakar's Stage 10 on Wednesday after negotiating 176km of timed special in the white dunes around Fiambala back in Argentina. The day took riders back over the Andes ahead of the final three stages.

KTM's Cyril Despres was second in the stage but now trails his Spanish rival by just over 18 minutes.  
       
The stage included a big 862km ride on the road before riders had to tackle another tricky loop course, much of it sand that has earned respect from riders in earlier Dakars in this part of the world.

Despres' teammate Ruben Faria was third at the finish, followed by KTM privateer Milan Stanovnik of Slovenia to give KTM the top four finishers.

It was certainly an eventful day for title holder Despres, who already has three Dakar trophies to his credit. Coma and Despres have been too close for comfort on either side so far so Despres made a flying start to try to put some distance between himself and his Spanish rival but while opening the track he made a navigational mistake approaching the dunes.

"I made a first big mistake after 120km while I was riding well," he said. "I read 17 instead of 117 on the navigation and I ended up in the rocks with Verhoeven. We already lost lots of time there, but then in the last few kilometers I made another mistake, turned round and fell into a mud hole. It was impossible to get back out."

Organizers have promised a fabulous series of canyons at the foothills of the Andes for Stage 11 on Thursday as the riders have another very long 722km special after 164km of liaison.

The field in the motorcycle category has now trimmed from 186 starters to 103 for Stage 10.

Stage 10 Results
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, 3:06:35
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 9:56
3. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 13:22
4. Miran Stanovnik, Slovenia, KTM at 21:26
5. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 21:43
6. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands KTM at 22:11

Standings after Stage 10
1. Marc Coma, Spain, KTM, 38:39:31
2. Cyril Despres, France, KTM, at 18:10
3. Chaleco Lopez, Chile, Aprilia at 45:16
4. Helder Rodrigues, Portugal, Yamaha, 1:24:37
5. Ruben Faria, Portugal, KTM, at 1:34:42
6. Juan Pedrero, Spain, KTM at 2:29:24
7. Pal Anders Ullevalseter, Norway, KTM, 2:36:39
8. Henk Knuiman, Netherlands KTM at 4:00:20