by Terry Hibbered
See more at: www.RedBull.com/Dakar
Solid teamwork leaves Red Bull KTM rider Cyril Despres still leading the way after stage 12 of the Dakar with just two stages to go. The number one Red Bull rider rode a tactical stage in what arguably looked like a perfectly executed plan to boost the time of team mate, Ruben Faria whilst also extending his own lead at the front.
With fellow Red Bull rider ‘Chaleco’ Lopez behind the pair in third place overall, the French rider wanted to help extend the overall gap between the 2nd and 3rd place riders, but Despres said he was keen to help his faithful watercarrier.
“It was also important for me today to try and help Ruben. He’s been helping me for the Dakar 2010, 2011, 2012 and also 2013, so today I decided to help him to try and stay in second place overall. I think he did well and I’m happy for us.”
As a result of helping out his Portuguese collegue, Despres’ pace suffered and Dutchman Frans Verhoeven was able to take his first Dakar stage win since 2011 as a result. With Faria coming in just 1 minute 38 seconds behind Verhoeven, he was thankful for the help of Despres and of course with the result.
“I finished 2nd on the stage, so it actually has turned out to be a good day. I’m very happy with the work Cyril did and I’m happy with my personal result. However, there are still two days left to race and on the Dakar, you can be smiling one day and then unfortunate the next day.”
Despres goes into the final two days with a 5’39” lead over Faria who has a comfortable lead over Lopez who has a monumental task at hand if he is to overcome a 14 minute defecit to the leader of the Rally.
Full stage 12 results and overall standings are available here.
See more at: www.RedBull.com/Dakar
