On the road to Dakar
By TMX Archives on 11th Jan 07
Stage One: THE 29th edition of the world famous Dakar Rallye began in Lisbon, Portugal, last Saturday, with seven roughtie-toughtie British riders amongst its number.
The experienced Mick Extance heads the Brit list and started his sixth rallye with enthusiasm, this time onboard a Honda CRF450X: "This year I will be out there to race and not just finish,” he said before the blast-off, "it's one of the toughest challenges in the world, I am totally passionate about the rally and I am determined to finish it again - in the top 20.”
He will be joined by Brits Ian Myers (KTM), Stephen Malone (KTM), Paul Broome (Honda), Colin Askey (KTM), 65-year-old Scot Robbie Allan (Honda) and David Dickinson (KTM).
Yamaha-mounted Ruben Faria showed that local Portuguese knowledge ruled in the opening stage of the rally between Lisbon and Portimao, leading the way in his homeland, just as he did a year ago.
Faria braved the cold conditions on the day to set the pace in one hour, 22 minutes and seven seconds on his privateer Yamaha.
Faria beat another Portuguese rider, Helder Rodrigues, also on a Yamaha, by 16 seconds. Frenchman David Casteu was initially classified third, 4:47 behind on the first of the KTMs, but had 20 seconds added to his time for an infringement, dropping him to fourth - behind Spaniard Isidre Esteve Pujol.
The factory KTMs of Cyril Despres and Marc Coma, two of the favourites for victory, came out of stage one in 10th and 13th, respectively.
Extance, as expected was first Brit home in 36th spot 15 minutes behind Faria.
For full report, results and pictures on the first four stages see T+MX NEWS, Friday, January 12, 2007