Dakar Rally 2011 - Stage 7
Francisco “Chaleco” Lopez Contardo has been the fastest rider to finish a stage twice during the 2011 Dakar rally, but penalties have prevented Chaleco from claiming a stage win. But as the Dakar riders made their way through Chile in front of Chaleco's home crowd, the Chilean rider finally got his stage victory.
Chaleco's victory today was the first for Aprilia during this year's Dakar, and Chaleco's fifth career stage victory. With Aprilia claiming the win today, it is the third consecutive stage that has eluded KTM riders and Dakar leaders Marc Coma and Cyril Despres.
Chaleco was able to gain a few minutes on the Dakar leaders, but he is still more than 18 minutes behind Coma.
“It was not easy. There was a lot of dust in the beginning,” Chaleco Lopez said. “I went a little faster afterward but I lost my exhaust at mid stage more or less. So after that, I was afraid my engine would break. Fortunately, it was the shortest special stage since the beginning of the raid; if it had not been the engine would have been hit bad. I won and that is all that matters. I had a good day. Everything is fine. Last week, I had a cold, but I feel better now. I am in great shape. I feel that I am driving well.”
Up at the front, Coma's lead over Despres didn't change much. Coma is still 7 minutes ahead of his rival, but in the Dakar, 7 minutes can vanish pretty quickly.
But despite the grueling conditions and the fierce competition, the Dakar riders are having the time of their life.
“Today was one of the best days of motocross-type racing of my entire life,” said Despres. “Thank you David Castera for such a fun riding experience. Not only was it a beautiful stage, it was also a fantastic one to ride. A really great day, even in terms of results. This morning, we were wondering if we would have our fill with 272 km; now my answer is YES."
