France’s defending champion Stephane Peterhansel took a huge step toward his 11th Dakar Rally win on Monday as his main rival, Nasser al-Attiyah, struggled during the ninth stage, the longest of the race.
Spaniard Nani Roma won the stage — his second of this year’s edition and 13th of his career — leading in a Mini 1-2 with 47-year-old Peterhansel — six times champion on a motorbike and four times in a car — second and Argentine Orlando Terranova third in a BMW.
Al-Attiyah — the 2011 champion — had to stop several times during the stage in his Red Bull Buggy including just 4km from the finish line and saw his dreams of a second Dakar title dashed.
Photo: Reuters
Peterhansel now has a comfortable lead of almost 50 minutes over his nearest rival, South African Giniel de Villiers.
“We could have gained even more time, but we would have had to take risks,” Peterhansel said. “It’s [the title] getting closer, but there are still a few long stages left, which favor the buggies. We need to take time whenever we can, because we can always make mistakes in Fiambala or on the dunes of Copiapo.”
Earlier, defending motorbike champion Cyril Despres stormed back into contention for this year’s title as the Frenchman won his first stage of this year’s renewal.
Photo: Reuters
The 38-year-old KTM star started the day over 24 minutes off the pace, but finished the stage in second place overall as he came in 4 minutes, 3 seconds ahead of Spanish rider Joan Barreda, on a Husqvarna.
Despres put himself firmly into the mix for retaining the title as the four-time champion trails teammate Ruben Faria of Portugal by 5:23, but said it had been about time he made an impression.
“I knew that it would be physically demanding, that I’d have to give it my all,” Despres said. “I’ve got blisters on my feet and my hands are sore, but I had to bang my fist on the table to say: “Hey, I’m here. Ruben and I are racing well for the team, he’s in good shape and that’s the most important thing right now.”
While Despres entered the overall picture, two of his compatriots fell away completely on the race’s longest stage, 852km from Tucuman including 593km of it timed.
David Casteu — who led overnight going into the stage — hit a cow with his Yamaha during the timed section, which resulted in him dislocating his shoulder and another stop on the stage saw him slip from pole position to not having a hope of winning the title.
His compatriot Olivier Pain also had a day to forget as he came off the bike on several occasions and lost about 32 minutes to also lose sight of overall victory.
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
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely