Stage four of the gruelling 2013 Dakar Rally is has now been completed, with a swing in the leader board taking place due to standout performances from a selection of competitors.

Olivier Pain’s hard work has paid off for him, as the consistent Yamaha mounted rider now takes hold of the first place in the general standings, with a lead of 2’24” over his teammate David Casteu.

Cyril Despres, defending champion and the brief leader of the 2013 event, chose to ride in a restrained manner during stage four and dropped back in the general standings. He moves down to third position, three minutes behind race leader Pain, and holds a lead of 2’29’’over John Barreda.

Barreda was on the move during stage four, moving from 24th to fourth in the overall rankings thanks to his speed in the special stage and overall consistency. The Yamaha rider, who is always riding with a thirst for a special stage win on the Dakar, has been rewarded for his efforts.

Rounding out the top five in the the overall rankings is Jordi Viladoms, the Husqvarna mounted rider sits 7’22” behind fourth place holder Barreda.

Australia’s Matt Fish has dropped down to 24th in the standings after holding an impressive sixth place ranking early in the event, while fellow Aussie, Rod Faggotter, has made the move past Fish into 17th place on his Yamaha.

Ben Grabham nows sits in 29th place, along with Warren Strange, Troy O’Conner, Todd Smith and Simon Pavey holding down the 30th, 42nd, 64th, and 90th spots respectively.

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