Dakar: David Casteu surprises favorites
The first ride in the 2010 Dakar immediately yielded a number of surprises. David Casteu (Sherco) won the stage in Argentina over 168 kilometers from Colon to Cordoba. Compatriot Cyril Desprès finished second at three (!) seconds, Marc Coma came in at three. The difference between Casteu and Coma was barely thirteen seconds.
This stage was originally planned to cover 219 kilometers, but 51 kilometers were canceled due to flooding. For the 35-year-old Casteu it was his second stage victory in the Dakar of his career. For the small Sherco, a French manufacturer, the victory means nothing less than a dream start.
Henk Knuiman became the best Dutchman with a 17th place, although he already had to lose 7'59" to Casteu. For Frans Verhoeven, the first day was one to quickly forget. After 200 km Frans stopped with technical problems. He did get the Beemer running again, but is currently 109th in more than 34 minutes. Frank Verhoestraete (KTM) was the best Belgian with a 36th place, at 16'28”.
Even among the four-wheelers, the motorcyclists were partying as Nani Roma won the stage in his BMW, ex-world rally champion Carlos Sainz came second, and multiple motorcycle winner Stephane Peterhansel came third. The second stage tomorrow takes the caravan over 294 kilometers from Cordoba to La Rioja.
Photo credit: Team Elf Sherco Dakar
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