KTM Factory Racing's Toby Price finished fourth in Stage 10, which was cut short due to safety concerns in the deteriorating weather.
The tenth stage of the Dakar Rally – initially scheduled to cover 534 kilometres over two timed sectors – was cut short after just a single special at the kilometre 345 due to strong winds. Riders were directly diverted to the bivouac at Shubaytah to avoid the winds which could potentially have put the participants’ safety into jeopardy.
Second into the day’s stage, Toby Price had little in the way of tracks to follow as he made his way through the fast, off-piste route. Despite some challenging navigation, which caught many riders out, the experienced Price was able to make his way cleanly to the refuelling stop. With the stage then shortened, Price was credited with fourth fastest, just under three minutes down on the stage winner.
“My day has gone well. It’s a little frustrating that the stage was cut short as I was planning on finishing a little further back to make up more time tomorrow,” said Price. “It is what it is and of course it was definitely the right decision to make regards safety. The good news is, the bike’s in good shape and we’re all ready for tomorrow. Unfortunately, I’ll still be starting quite near the front, so it’ll be tough to make up a lot of time on the leaders, but I’m feeling strong and looking forward to the last couple of days.”
Dakar veteran Rod Faggotter had an excellent day on the bike finished sixth in the stage, his best result of the Dakar Rally this year. The Queenslander moved up to 13th place overall as a result.
Trevor Wilson finished Stage 10 in 50th and sits 78th overall. Ben Young was 76th in the stage and is 59th overall. Matthew Tisdall is putting on an incredible performance in his first Dakar attempt, finishing 100th in Stage 10 and is 97th overall.
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Provisional Results Stage 10 – 2020 Dakar Rally
1. Joan Barreda (ESP), Honda, 2:11:42
2. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 2:12:49 +1:07
3. Kevin Benavides (ARG), Honda, 2:12:49 + 2:31
4. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 2:14:39 +2:57
5. Luciano Benavides (ARG), KTM, 2:15:56 +4:14
Provisional Standings (after stage 10) – 2020 Dakar Rally
1. Ricky Brabec (USA), Honda, 34:12:18
2. Pablo Quintanilla (CHL), Husqvarna, 34:38:02 +25:44
3. Joan Barreda (ARG), Honda, 34:39:27 +27:09
4. Toby Price (AUS), KTM, 34:40:51 +28:33
5. Jose Ignacio Cornejo (CHL), Honda, 34:53:49 +41:31