Before a well deserved rest day, the competitors tackled today the second loop stage around the capital, exploring the west of Riyadh. It was a very fast stage with invisible piste, rocky paths and chains of dunes for more than 40 kms towards the end.
All in all, it was a positive day for the four Xtremeplus crews. Michele Cinotto and Maurizion Dominella – CST Polaris Xtremeplus team took the start quiet back in the field after the electrical issue experienced on stage 5. The team worked hard last night to fix the problems and give them the best possible machine.
« Today we really enjoyed the stage. Starting from the back and having nothing to lose, allowed us to have fun and be fast as well. We passed more than 40 vehicles and he finally finished 27th. I want to thank the team and the mechanics for the great job done last night to fix the Dakar », said Michele Cinotto, « It’s a pity for the overall because we were in P10, but races are like that ».
« It was a good day. We enjoyed the fast stage although we has some technical issues that slowed us down a bit. All in all we are satisfied of this first week and we are confident for the second one », said Pietro Cinotto CST Polaris Xtremeplus Team, 23rd today at 31 min 34 to the stage winner Goczal and P24 in the overall.
Strong in P28 of the overall, 33rd today the Pla family is continuing their race with a great satisfaction. « Jerome is doing a great job as a navigator and we are really enjoying the adventure. Today the big dunes in the final part of the stage were simply magnificent. The race is tough of course, but this is the Dakar », said Jean Claude Pla.
« We were very fast today and I can be satisfied. it is a pity that we had some technical problems on the way, but in the end we finished in a good position. I look forward to a well deserved rest now », said Shinsuke Umeda, 43rd today, P38 of the overall.
Tomorrow teams, drivers and co-driver will enjoy a well deserved rest in Ryadh.