News 15 Jan 2018

Price draws closer to Dakar lead with stage eight podium

Meo takes out another stage as Van Beveren maintains overall advantage.

Image: Supplied.

Former race winner Toby Price has ridden his Red Bull KTM into outright contention after claiming third in stage eight of the 2018 Dakar Rally on Sunday.

The 2016 champion was just 2m45s outside of stage winner and teammate Antoine Meo, as American Ricky Brabec (Monster Energy Honda) completed the 584km leg in second.

Those results see Adrien Van Beveren (Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team) – seventh overnight – stay at the top of the charts overall, 22 seconds ahead of Kevin Benavides (Monster Energy Honda) and 6m34s in front of Matthias Walkner (Red Bull KTM). Price is now fourth, closing to within 7m35s of Van Beveren.

Yamalube Yamaha Official Rally Team’s Rodney Faggotter was 27th in stage eight and is currently ranked 22nd overall, while countryman Scott Britnell (Grit Adventures KTM) was 66th overnight, now 72nd on combined times.

Due to extreme weather conditions and the increased risk of flooding and thunderstorms, Dakar Rally organisers have opted to cancel the stage nine timed special. Competitors are expected to ride in groups towards the Salta bivouac, where the race will resume normally on Tuesday.

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