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2014 Dakar: Joan Barreda Bort and Honda Claim Stage 1

Team HRC made a spectacular comeback into Dakar racing, with the team's Joan Barreda Bort claiming the victory in Stage 1, Rosario to San Luis, in Argentina.
2014 Dakar Stage 1 9 photos
Photo: Dakar.com
2014 Dakar Stage 22014 Dakar Stage 22014 Dakar Stage 12014 Dakar Stage 12014 Dakar Stage 1 Despres2014 Dakar Stage 12014 Dakar Stage 12014 Dakar Stage 1 Barreda Bort
Though the 37 seconds lead over the multiple Dakar winner Marc Coma is an insignificant one in such early stages, we cannot help looking at Honda in admiration: its been 24 years since the manufacturer last raced in the Dakar.

Third came the 2013 champion, Cyril Despres on his Yamaha, at a comfortable 1'40" distance, followed by Sherco's Alain Duclos and another KTM rider, Paulo Goncalves. Chaleco Lopez was 6th.

Other big names were scattered down the line: Ruben Faria, David Casteu and Jordi Viladoms, all KTM riders in positions 12 through 14, respectively, Yamaha's Olivier Pain in 16th, having to maintain the integrity of his bike after a crash. He was not injured. Helder Rodrigues finished stage in the 22nd position, but the ace is only beginning.

Stage 2 links San Luis with San Rafael, with 366 km (227 miles) of liaison and a grueling 359 km (223 miles) of timed stage on various terrain.



US - Stage 1 - Car/Bike - Stage Summary... de Dakar
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