Ruben Faria finally got his stage win at th 2011 Dakar Rally. Faria beat out Helder Rodigues for the stage six win as riders raced from Iquique to Arica.
Marc Coma: “It was a really hard stage”
“It was a very hard stage, at the start with the dunes, then with all the navigation, because it was very technical until around the 200 km point. It was a very restrictive stage and was hard to open the way. It was like I was stood still and was still in the same place since there was so much ‘fesh-fesh'. It was a really hard stage.”
Helder Rodrigues: “Overall, it was a very good day”
“It was a superb special for me. I set off behind Despres and Coma, but I caught up with them before overtaking them. I opened the way for 200 kilometres. Overall, it was a very good day. I'm in 4th place. It's perfect.”
Ruben Faria: “Taking advantage of the situation”
“It was a very tough stage, very long and bumpy. I started at my own pace, so until the refuelling stop I probably lost some time. After that I accelerated. 200 km from the finish, I overtook Despres, Coma, Rodrigues and Chaleco. I stayed with them, so I think I should have won. As Cyril's water carrier, I always ride sensibly, but there are times when I can take advantage of the situation. I started 7th this morning and that helped me. I think Cyril will be happy for me.”
Francisco ‘Chaleco' Lopez: “There will be a big cull”
“The last part of the special for 150 kilometres was very hard, very dusty. There was also lots of ‘fesh-fesh'. But I really liked it, especially in the dunes. Marc Coma caught up with me as well as two groups of bikers as well. We rode carefully. It is going to be complicated for a lot of riders and there will be a big cull before the rest day.”
Cyril Despres: “It's a miracle I finished”
“It was a very difficult stage for me. I've had vibrations in the engine for 220 km so the rest day will do the machine and rider a world of good. I don't know what caused it. After the refuelling point, the bike started to vibrate and I didn't know whether to stop or not, in case the engine was going to blow. I slowed down a bit and in the end I finished at the same time as the others. Honestly, it's a miracle that I finished. The only positive thing is that I'm here, but it was squeaky-bum time for 200 km and that's not reassuring.”
Here's a video summary of the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally.
