Dakar : Leg 7 - First news
Take yesterday`s average speed and divide it by two. That`s basically the pace the riders will compete at for today`s stage. The special will almost be 500km long but it`s mainly the presence of three very technical parts that will slow competitors down and maybe even stop them. On these three passages of over 80km each, including the famous El Beyyed erg, all will need to avoid the traps of very soft sand and varied terrain. Shovels will come in handy and the difficulties won`t stop there. At several occasions, finding the right way will avoid losing to much time.
For the bikers, the start will take place in the reverse order of the previous stage. That could seriously change the tactics and maybe change the overall standing. Cyril Despres will focus on taking good care of his injured shoulder and probably won`t be fighting for the day`s win. A technical course specialist, David Frétigné could finally really compete with the bigger KTMs. In the car race, this will be a real test for the Volkswagen Race Touareg II and the Schlesser buggies. This is also the moment that the Mitsubishi team has carefully prepared.

Despres has started the special

After suffering a collarbone injury yesterday due to crash, Cyril Despres with a heavily strapped shoulder has started the day`s special and looks to be riding well riding alongside his main rivals.

Three in lead
On their way to CP1 (km 209) three bikers are currently in the first positions of the bike race and riding together : Vinters, De Azevedo and Casteu.

Navigational problems
At km 100 of the car special, some of the favourites are struggling with navigation. It appears that Jean-Louis Schlesser, Giniel de Villiers and several other drivers have chosen the wrong way. Only two cars so far are in the correct direction: Stephane Peterhansel and Thierry Magnaldi.

Tags: leg-seven, navigation, problem, stage, el-beyyed,