Dakar 2010: Stage Three

"It was a really African like stage:  physically tough with the heat, soft dunes and mechanical aspects to deal with.  The bike suffered a bit on the first part, so I had to look after the engine.  I tried to ride at a cooler pace for the last 80km."  - Despres, courtesy Dakar

Heavy with mechanical problems and brutal terrain, Stage 3 has come and gone with Despres the victor, KTM's first victory in this rally and bringing Despres to the #1 overall standing.  Stage 3 ended with 1- Despres, 2- Rodrigues, 3- Goncalves and 4- Casteu. 

Today began with great anticipation.  The Dunes.  Dakar officials claimed, "Time to separate the wheat from the chaff," while I was thinking "Time for Despres to be Despres."   In the wee morning hours it was as expected:  Despres, Coma, Casteu.  It wasn't long before Casteu began losing ground over a bad battery, and Coma began losing time due to a "spluttering engine" and his troubles increased with Jordi Viladoms' problems.  Jordi, on this his 30th birthday, had to withdraw from the rally after a heavy fall.  Stage three brought many problems for many participants, as expected.  David Fretigne experienced electrical troubles between 74km and 117km and lost a lot of time.

Jonah Street had a good day and moved up to #8 in the stage, #6 overall.  Coma dropped to #9 in this stage and #8 overall, and Ullevaleseter, another one I'm keeping an eye on, creeped up to #10 in this stage, #9 overall. 

For the ladies, same 'ol, same 'ol.  Annie Seel is like a machine.  I think she's out for vengeance from her horrible wreck that sent her home from Dakar 09.  Seel is, again, the victor for stage 3, keeping her hold on #1 overall.  Mirjam Pol and Christina Meier remain at their #2 and #3 positions, cruising quite comfortably along.  There was a late update to the Ladies Cup:  Christina Meier had some problems and ended up crossing the finish line last.  Third place was taken by Silvia Giannetti and British rider Tamsin Jones was out of touch - technical issue or has she withdrawn?

By this point in the rally, riders are feeling a little dehydrated and hungry, the excitement of Day One is wearing off and the reality of 17 days on a bike is hitting hard, with the Day of Rest not until the 9th.  Tomorrow's stage four takes them to Copiaco and is mostly a ride of blindingly white and hot dunes I believe.  Tonight I am looking forward to reading tweets from the riders and mechanics.