Yesterday’s 11th stage in the Dakar Rally saw American Kurt Caselli take his second stage win, crossing the finish line with a time of 2:55:01.
The stage included an initial 256-km liaison, followed by a 221 km special stage and ended with a final six-kilometre liaison to the bivouac. The special stage was shortened to 191 km due to poor conditions caused by heavy rains that fell in the area.
Caselli, accustomed to riding in Baja type terrain, had no difficulties in the sand dunes, which had been compacted and made firmer by the recent rains.
Portugal’s Paolo Goncalves finished second, 4 min. 45 sec. behind Caselli, who is filling in for an injured Marc Coma. Overall leader Cyril Despres finished third, 6 min. 24 sec. behind the leader.
Canadian Patrick Beaulé has settled into a rhythm, finishing the day’s stage in 63rd position after taking the 80th starting position in the morning. He is currently in 62nd position overall.
Despres is still ahead and has stretched his lead to more than 13 minutes.
Today’s stage will take riders 715 km from Fiambalá to Copiapó and include a 319 km special stage.
As per usual, here the link to the organization’s video summary.
