In the 13th stage, the riders return to the starting point, knowing that a slip in the last special could ruin their aspirations to move up in the standings.
The last streak is much shorter than yesterday – “only” 180km timed – and therefore less susceptible to overtaking, but the eagerness to reach the finish could betray the lagging riders. The route that connects Villa Carlos Paz to Rosario mixes rocky sections, dunes and irregular stretches, which in itself represents an added challenge.Stéphane Peterhansel will be the first to depart, confident that a race without major problems will be enough to secure his 12th victory in the Dakar (6 on motorcycles and many others in cars). 41 minutes separate the Frenchman from Nasser Al-Attiyah (Mini); for his part, the winner of the transata edition knows that he will have to make a perfect race and wait for a slip by the Peugeot driver.
SEE ALSO: 10 glories of the past in a 21st century version
The fight for third place should be more balanced, taking into account the difference of just over 4 minutes between Giniel de Villiers (Toyota) and Mikko Hirvonen (Mini), with the advantage smiling for the South African.
On motorbikes, after Paulo Gonçalves' abandonment, Hélder Rodrigues is the best positioned Portuguese, and may even have a peek at the podium in today's special. “I'm happy to be fighting this second week for the front places,” stated the Yamaha rider.
