Toby Price fights back to take Stage 11 win
By Team TMX on 18th Jan 18
It was the first leg of the second marathon stage at this years Dakar Rally.
The Super Fiambala as it has come to be known was a 280km special through the Argentinian dunes with scorching temperatures reaching over 40 degrees. Navigation was massively important as was the ability to conserve machinery as no mechanical help could be provided at the bivouac.
Toby Price was one of those riders who lost their way on stage 10. Riding hard to make up time, Price led the special from start to finish. This dominant performance moves the Australian up to third in the provisional standings, albeit close to 40-minutes down on the leader, team-mate Matthias Walkner.
Like Price, Antoine Meo was suffering from a late start position due to his result from stage 10. The Frenchman rode superbly all day battling for the runner-up spot right until the flag. A small mistake cost Meo a few minutes but the former Enduro World Champion was still able to claim third place and also improve his position in the provisional standings to fifth.
Riding consistently and again concentrating on his navigation Matthias Walkner rode to a strong fifth place.
Despite losing a little time today to his rivals, the former Cross-Country Rallies World Champion still holds a comfortable advantage at the top of the standings, 32-minutes ahead of second-placed Kevin Benavides.
Walkner: Things went pretty well for me today. I was a little nervous because I didnt want to go wrong anywhere and lose all of the time that I gained yesterday. The stage was good, but my pace could have been a little better. Overall, I am feeling really good, my body is getting used to all the strain now. There are just three days to go, so Ill keep focused and carry on.
Leading female competitor Laia Sanz had another good day. The Spaniard, riding sensibly and concentrating on hitting each waypoint, maintained a good pace throughout the timed special to finish in a very solid 18th place.
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