The Dakar Rally, arguably the most gruelling off-road racing event in the world, kicked off last Sunday in South America.
Stage One saw competitors covering ground between Buenos Aires and Villa Carlos Paz, with Britain’s Sam Sunderland (KTM) taking the stage win. Paulo Goncalves (Honda) finished second, five seconds behind Sunderland. Marc Coma (KTM), last year’s winner, finished third, 1:12 off the pace.
Stage Two went from Villa Carlos Paz to San Juan on Monday. Spain’s Joan “Bang Bang” Barreda Bort (Honda) was fastest on the day. Paulo Goncalves (Honda) had another solid second-place finish, 6:13 behind, while Ruben Faria (KTM) took third, 9:16 back.
Today’s Stage Three saw riders end up in Chilecito. KTM-mounted Matthias Walkner of Austria took the stage win. Marc Coma (KTM) was second, 40 seconds back, while Joan Barreda Bort (Honda) was third, 1:53 behind.
Overall rankings after three stages see Joan Barreda Bort in first place. Paulo Goncalves is second overall, 5:33 back of the leader, while Matthias Walkner is third, 10:33 adrift.
For full Dakar results, click here.
