Cycle News Staff | January 5, 2017
2017 Dakar Stage Four Results: Red Bull KTM’s Matthias Walkner was today’s stage winner in the Dakar Rally, but Honda’s Joan Barreda extended his overall lead on a day that saw last year’s winner, Toby Price, withdraw from the race after suffering a leg injury.
Price was airlifted from the racecourse with what was said to be a broken femur. Price started the day fifth overall.
2017 Dakar Stage Four Results
Walkner said, “If we are fair, I had it much easier because I could see more tracks. I felt pretty good on the bike, but I didn’t think it was enough for victory. The bad thing is that Toby crashed. I stopped with him until they (the medical team) told me that he was not going to be able to continue. Health is the most important thing and I hope that he’s Okay.”
Barreda was fast all day but backed off the pace toward the end of the 400-plus kilometer special to finish second to Walkner, a little over two minutes behind.
“I’m happy because I had a great stage today,” said leader Barreda. “The first part was very picturesque. I felt good and comfortable without making any navigational errors and kept up a good pace. I got off to a flying start over the first few kilometres and was very focused in the dunes, being very careful not to make any mistakes with the roadbook. I only slowed the pace down in the final part of the day with the arrival in Bolivia, where there were river-crossings and a lot of rocks. I’m happy because I was ahead all day and I’ve increased the advantage at the top of the general standings.
“It is a shame what has happened to Toby Price,” Barreda added. “Hopefully it’s nothing too serious and he will get over it soon and be back at full speed on the track soon.”
2017 Dakar Stage Four Results
American Ricky Brabec ran into some problems at the start of the special. The Monster Energy Honda Team rider and Barreda’s teammate dropped precious time when he got lost. Once back on track, he made it safe back to the Tupiza bivouac without further glitches. He was 11th on the day and eighth overall.
“Today was one of the most difficult days,” said Brabec. “There was a lot of really tricky navigation. At the start of the special I made a mistake and had a bit of trouble finding the way before I finally got back on track. This made me become a lot more focused on what I was doing. I managed to pick the pace up and got back into the race. I’m happy to have made it back to the bivouac. Let’s keep on fighting and working as a team. I hope to improve over the coming stages.
Results to come:
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