Rally dos Sertoes: Paolo Goncalves Close To Victory

Cycle News Staff | August 2, 2013

Team Speedbrain’s Paulo Goncalves won today’s penultimate stage of the 10-day Rally dos Sertoes in Brazil, the Portuguese rider also pulling away in the overall standings to now lead the rally by almost 26 minutes.

Today’s stage was some 340 miles from Minacu to Gioanésia and Goncalves was able to secure his fourth stage win of the rally.

Yesterday’s stage winner Cyril Despres led from the start on his factory Yamaha, but Goncalves was able to catch and pass the Frenchman.

“I am happy not only to win, but to keep my lead in the overall ranking,” Goncalves said. “I gained some more time and also won the stage so it was a perfect day. It’s time to thank my team and the developers of the Speedbrain 450 R, which is a perfect machine. Tomorrow I am going to ride smart and safe. The race is still not over, but our chances for the overall win are very good at the moment.”

The final stage of the Rally dos Sertoes will end at Goiania after 180 miles with 76 miles of special stage.