South Africa's Giniel de Villiers took the Dakar Rally overall lead on Friday after winning the seventh stage between Zouerat and Atar, a leg which was shortened because of a blinding sandstorm.
De Villiers, driving a Volks-wagen, finished the curtailed 542km stage almost five minutes ahead of previous race leader Carlos Sainz of Spain.
The result puts him one minute and 39 seconds ahead of former world rally champion Sainz, also driving a Volkswagen, in the overall standings. Sainz was third on Friday behind Stephane Peterhansel in a Mitsubishi.
Former winner Hiroshi Masuoka of Japan, driving a Mitsubishi, was fourth on the stage with Qatar's Nasser Saleh al-Attiyah, in a BMW, in fifth.
"This was a very difficult stage due to the lack of visibility," de Villiers said.
"We drove blind without any point of reference. I was happy to hear that the stage was being shortened," he said.
Frenchman Cyril Despres, riding a KTM, took top motorcycle honors ahead of Norwegian Pal Anders Ullevalster and David Casteu of France.
"Of course it was a great day, but my enthusiasm is a bit undermined," Despres said.
"I gained 10 minutes back, but I might have gained 10 more if the special stage had been run in full," he said.
"I don't really think it was an advantage to start later because with the strong wind, all the tracks were completely blurred and therefore very hard to follow," he said.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
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