John Barreda again proved himself as a serious 2013 Dakar Rally title contender after taking out his fourth stage win of the event, ahead of defending champion Cyril Despres during the grueling 357km stage 10.

Despres opened the road all day along the special’s tracks, attacking throughout, while avoiding taking major risks on a terrain similar to the type encountered in endurance races – technically demanding and especially physically tiring.

On track, Barreda again proved to be the only rider able to compete with the title holder’s pace. At the end of the day, after a major attack at the end of the special stage, the Spaniard was victorious, 1’15 ahead of Despres and 2’44 in front of his teammate Paulo Gonçalves.

Chaleco Lopez remains third overall, 4’40 ahead of Slovakian Ivan Jakes in fourth place. Rounding out the top five overall is Alessandro Botturi, the leading Husqvarna rider in the general standings.

Rod Faggotter continues to lead the charge for Australia, sitting in 16th place overall aboard his Yamaha. Behind Faggotter is Ben Grabham, Warren Strange, Todd Smith, Simon Pavey and Matt Fish who hold down 19th, 31st, 39th, 64th and 124th positions respectively.

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