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Matthias Walkner climbed back up after a turbulent week before the break of the Dakar Rally. The Salzburg man finished the sixth stage from Al Qaisumah to Ha’il in fifth place on Friday. There were 3:14 minutes to go for the winner of the day Joan Barreda, the Spaniard achieved his third stage victory in Saudi Arabia. Australian Toby Price took the lead in the overall standings.
Price ejected former leader Kevin Benavides from the top after his seventh place. The Argentine (17th) broke his nose in a crash on Thursday and was nearly ten minutes behind Barreda in the sixth stage. Defending champion Ricky Brabec (USA) is currently 13th overall. Walkner moved up four places and is now 24 years old and more than two hours behind Price, his KTM brand colleague.
After struggling with navigation the day before like other drivers, Walkner initially focused on it and slowed down. Then the 34-year-old man largely made up for the time lapse. From 150 km he drove together with Ross Branch, who was second at the finish, reported Walkner. So the branch that led to Botswana had “incredible” speed. “It felt like I was on the qualifying lap of a motocross race, where you are on the edge every lap.”
The route reduced to 348 kilometers was also technically demanding. “It’s less about risk or courage. You really have to be able to ride a motorcycle in the dunes,” said Walkner. “For me it was the fastest stage I have ever done.” However, Kuchler noted that Saturday’s rest day in Ha’il is now enjoying great joy. The Dakar Rally ends after six more stages in Jeddah on January 15. (apa)
