Three days into Dakar 2017 and the first real navigation challenges of the contest have caused major shifts in the leaderboards.
With waypoints proving difficult to locate in the thin air of northern Argentina, the crews and their machines were pushed to breaking point as the world’s toughest endurance race lives up to its reputation.
Unstoppable Barreda passes Price
Honda’s lead rider Joan Barreda was on a charge today, collecting the 15th stage win of his Dakar career as he chased down reigning champion Toby Price (Red Bull KTM) who lost time opening the road. The Spaniard now leads the overall classification, with Price’s KTM team-mate Sam Sunderland 10m 20s back in second place. Price himself has slipped to 5th overall.
“The first part of the roadbook was definitely tricky and we all got a little bit out of whack there and a little bit lost,” said Price at the finish line. “We definitely lost a bit of time but there’s still a long way to go – we’re only three days in. Give it time.”
