The third day of the Atacama Rally race has drawn to a close in Diego de Almagro, where the riders will spend the night in the temporary bivouac without the mechanical assistance of their teams. American Ricky Brabec performed well to claim the day’s second best time.
The first part of the Atacama Rally marathon stage concluded this afternoon back at the camp in Diego de Almagro after a stage which had been a very complete one featuring fast sections, areas clouded with fesh-fesh, dunes, sand and mountainous tracks that required delicate navigational prowess. At the end of the special the riders were not permitted to receive outside mechanical assistance for their equipment, having to carry out any necessary repair-work on the bikes by themselves.
Ricky Brabec was the best of the four Monster Energy Honda Team riders, finishing in runner-up spot after the 281-kilometre special, four seconds behind the stage winner. With today’s result, the American climbs a position in the general standings.
In fifth position finished Joan Barreda who had been able to reach his team-mate Kevin Benavides on the track, who finished eighth on the day, the two reaching the final destination together with a solid yet prudent pace to not overwork the machinery. Chilean José Ignacio Cornejo made some navigation slip-ups at the beginning of the special and dropped precious time ending his initial hopes of making up positions on the stage. .
After resting in Diego de Almagro, the riders will start out tomorrow in the direction of Bah